AN amateur football league official believes that lack of financial support for clubs is killing the game at grassroots level.

At the annual meeting of the Beacon Sunday Football League, which celebrates its 40th anniversary next year, chairman Brian Lester said: “A lack of money is a big issue for clubs.”

Just 13 teams have so far signed up for the 2016/17 Beacon afternoon adult league campaign, four down on the number that completed last season.

“I feel there needs to be some input from the FA. However, we will try and access money for you to try and help, hopefully through sponsorship which we would ring fence. We’ll do all we can to support you and any new teams looking to join us,” Lester told the meeting.

“At one point we ran four divisions in the Beacon League but now we are on a downward spiral.”

The league has welcomed the return of former members Sedgley Phoenix, together with newcomers Black Country Fusion and Wombourne Warriors.

Ideally the league wish to kick off in early September with an additional three teams and any interested clubs should contact David Clinton on 07964 730275.