New league in Tynedale is kicking off

A NEW under-11 division has been added to the Tynedale Mini Soccer League for the 2018-19 season.

Previously, youngsters played in the league from under-seven to under-10 level.

Teams who have already joined the new set-up include Stocksfield Vipers and Kingston Park Athletico.

The division has received a warm welcome from parents, coaches and referees alike as until now there was a lot of disparity once the players reached 10.

Due to a distinct lack of competitive options for junior players at this age in Tynedale, they had to join other leagues further afield in Gateshead or Newcastle.

Tynedale referee and Stocksfield Vipers’ coach David McMillan, the driving force behind the new division, said: “The Tynedale Mini Soccer League is wonderful for young footballers, giving them opportunities from under-seven level upwards.

“However, after the age of 10, there was nothing for them and we lose a lot of young players and teams to other areas.

“Our whole ethos is focused on being a local community united through football, where children join us to not only develop their footballing skills but also to develop friendships.

“So creating an under-11 league is an excellent way to retain this, keep our young footballers locally and provide a league which parents, coaches and, most importantly, the children enjoy.”

Eleven new teams for the division have already been recruited and fixtures will start on September 8.

Nine-a-side matches will be played on 80 x 50-yard pitches, with teams allowed to introduce an extra player if they are losing by three goals and a second player at five goals down.

Teams will have home and away fixtures, a Knockout Cup tournament and also a five-a-side competition to mark the end of the season.

McMillan added: “We are grateful to the Tynedale Mini Soccer League and its committee for facilitating the establishment of the new division.”

For more information about the Tynedale Mini Soccer League, email: enquiries@ under11tynedale.co.uk.