A ROSES WAR HAS BIG PRIZE AT STAKE
WEST Yorkshire Football League General Secretary Kevin Parkinson has fond memories of winning the FA Inter League in 2016 – and is dreaming of lifting the trophy again and representing England in Europe.
The league’s representative side have progressed past the York Football League and the Humber Premier League to set up a Battle of the Roses semi-final clash against The Cheshire Football League at Mossley on Saturday (ko 3pm).
“In May 2016, we won the final of the FA Inter-League Cup against The Teeside League at York City’s ground and were invited to represent England in Romania in the UEFA Regions’ Cup,” Parkinson recalled.
“We went in September and had a wonderful experience, but despite being undefeated against Romania, Russia and Serbia, Russia pipped us by a point to qualify for the next round.
“The experience in Romania was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The social aspect, the FA doing the coaching, the training, along with team management, it was very thoroughly planned. The standards too were very high, as was the expectation to achieve.”
The prize for the FA Inter League champions again this term is to represent England at the UEFA Regions Cup in Finland, where they play Portugal, Latvia and the hosts. It’s a special opportunity, as this is the only competition where you can represent England at amateur level.
Parkinson reckons West Yorkshire have all the ingredients to succeed, but is expecting a tough game.
“We’ve built an outstanding team spirit and have a wonderful group of players,” he added. “Against the Humber Premier League, we looked very good and were worthy winners.
“There is the historic rivalry between the Red and White Rose, we will be going there flying the flag for Yorkshire and we want to represent the West Yorkshire League in its best light. We’re proud of the badge.
“Finland beckons but we don’t underestimate the challenge of Cheshire, it’s a tough game we’re anticipating but we go there full of confidence. This competition brings us together, football is our shared passion.”