Blackpool Youth League hoping to extend season to complete fixtures

Hogan Cup action between Poulton Town Under-15s and St Annes Diamonds two days before grassroots football was shut down

Season over for Blackpool non-league clubs Squires Gate and AFC Blackpool

B&DYL general secretary Karen Tebbutt told The Gazette: “We are in regular contact with the Lancashire FA and we would like the season to carry on if at all possible.

“We would have no problem starting again in May or June and playing on into the summer.

“I’ve checked with the council on availability of pitches and we are checking the insurance situation, but for now all we can do is wait.

“We do appreciate there has to be a cut-off point when a decision on whether we try to complete the season has to be taken.”

Though most football around the county had already stopped, the Youth League did stage fixtures on the weekend of March 14 and 15 after consultation with its clubs. This was in line with Government advice at the time that sport could continue. However, at the start of the following week the Lancashire FA called for all grassroots football to be suspended indefinitely.

Karen added: “Some youth competitions around the county have already ended their season, particularly the ‘friendly football’ for under-11s, but we don’t want to call our season off until we really have to.

“There are discussions taking place this week between the FA and non-league organisations, then I expect we’ll be involved in the next set of discussions beyond that.”

In the meantime, the B&DYL’s Facebook page has become a focal point for clubs to keep in touch and keep each other entertained.

“We’re putting photographs out regularly,” Karen added.

“And there’a great video of South Shore Under-7s players practising at home.”