ALL OVER NOW FOR THE UNI STARLETS

TEAM Northumbria have withdrawn from the Ebac Northern League just three weeks before the start of the new season.

The University have confirmed that they will continue to compete in the British Universities and Colleges Sport League but they will no longer function as a Northern League club.

On Wednesday, the club’s current squad received an email confirming the decision and apologising after the news was announced via the local media.

Northumbria University explained that the reasons behind the decision were to “engage more students in a broader programme of participation”.

A statement read: “We can confirm that after careful consideration and review we have withdrawn from the Northern League.

“We remain committed to high performance sport and will continue to compete at the highest levels, including the British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) league.

“The size and shape of our sports offer evolves every year. In a changing environment that includes a reduction in available external funding, we must ensure that we continue to offer all our students value for money and the best possible student experience.

“As a result we are rebalancing our sports portfolio to engage more students in a broader programme of participation.

“Our approach is to create the right balance between performance and participation sport.

“We wish to ensure that all our students have the opportunity to participate in, and enjoy, sport at all levels.”

As a result of their withdrawal, both Shildon and Garforth Town have been handed byes after being drawn against Team Northumbria in the FA Cup and FA Vase respectively.

The decision to resign brings an end to 12 years of Northern League football at Coach Lane Campus.

In that time, a number of notable players have represented Team Northumbria, including Port Vale midfielder Luke Hannant, former Burnley striker Robbie Blake and Sammy Perez, brother of Newcastle United star Ayoze Perez.