Weetabix League will give youngsters the chance to play on

The Weetabix Youth Football League have declared their 2020/21 season null and void.

However, the league are determined to give youngsters something to look forward to once organised team sports can return at the end of the month.

The league have confirmed all clubs will have the chance to play again in ‘Champions League style’ Cup and Plate competitions, which will ensure all teams play a minimum of four games to round off a tough season.

And they have also confirmed that mini soccer, for under-7, under-8, under-9 and under-10 age groups, will continue as normal.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s ‘roadmap’ to bring the country out of the Covid-19 lockdown included the return of organised team sports for adults and youngsters from March 29.

And the Weetabix League, which has member clubs from across the whole of north Northamptonshire, are hoping to give young footballers the chance to play again from April 11.

In a statement, the league said: “Sadly, Covid has had a huge impact in the football world.

“When Boris Johnson announced his new roadmap to come out of lockdown, we took the opportunity to find ways for us to continue with league fixtures.

“Sadly, despite every effort, it became evident that some clubs and teams would just not complete the season. Some teams have played very few games.

“Taking into account that some clubs would be unable to access their venues during June for training and matches and the possibility of some teams being unable to complete their season we felt it fair to null and void the season.

“However, the good news is we will be hosting a Cup and Plate competition for all teams who wish to participate in a Champions League style format.

“This will enable all the teams that wish to do so to enter and every team will play in the group stages and play at least a minimum of four games.

“The Cup/Plate competition will be for under-11s to under-18s, beginning on April 11. Mini soccer will continue as normal. The finer details of the competition will be sent out to clubs.

“We would like to thank everyone for their continued support and we can't wait to see those players back out there.”