‘Must act now to save Scottish amateur game’

AS the curtain came down on the 2016 Summer League, league president Rory Malone called on all associations to act now or risk the amateur game in Scotland facing oblivion.

Despite a second successful year of summer f ootball, Rory is concerned with the immediate future of, not just the Sunday game but the whole of amateur football.

He said: “The league has just finished at the weekend but the hard work for next season begins now to attract new teams.

“I am very concerned about amateur football on Sundays — the motivation has to come back.

“I know the winter league has just seven teams and we’ve struggled to attract new ones, too.

“Ten years ago there were 60 teams — that’s a massive difference.

“The work begins now. We need to try all different ways to try to reinvent the game.

“We’ve tried it with the Summer League and it’s been successful but we would like more teams.

“I’d call on all associations across the whole of Scotland to come together to see what we can do. There’s a serious problem.

“We need to try every option we can to reinvigorate the game.”

Rory, though, was full of praise for the people involved across all the clubs in the Summer League as the 2016 season came to a close with the League Cup Final.

Lochee FC secured their treble with an imperious first-half display against Downfield Amateurs.

No team has been a match for the champions this summer and they showed no mercy as Downfield’s keeper problems led to a 5-0 scoreline at half-time.

Downfield’s regular goalkeeper was unable to play as he was also registered with another Sunday association. His other team had a Scottish Cup tie and that takes precedence over other competitions.

Lee Roleveld did grab them a goal back in the second half in a much-improved display but Lochee’s lead was never troubled.

Rory added: “It was another successful season and I’d like to congratulate Lochee.

“It was a very interesting and very enjoyable campaign to watch and that gives you a breath of life that there is still hope out there.

“Lochee are a fantastic bunch of lads and well done to them but I’m proud of all the clubs and the effort they’ve put in.”

If interested in entering a team contact Rory on 07923 030659.

Lochee FC made it a clean sweep in the Summer League after beating Downfield Amateurs in the League Cup Final at Glenesk.

Dundee West (yellow) powered through to the U/19 Scottish Cup third round by beating Kirkcaldy 9-2.

FC Polonia (white) and Tayport battled it out at Riverside in the Sunday League. Tayport won 2-1.

Fairmuir (orange) came out on top in a goal-fest against Pitfour, winning 9-3.

Lochee captain Greig Cushnie is presented with the trophy by league president Rory Malone.

Ferry (yellow) met Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts in the U/15 Scottish Cup second round.