A SUNDAY league football official has been outlining his vision for the amateur game in the Black Country as he hopes to introduce two new sections for the start of the next campaign.

David Clinton, general secretary of the Beacon Sunday League, believes the introduction of a new development format and a separate senior division for players in their mid-thirties upwards from the 2018-19 season is the way forward, writes Dave McLean.

“I believe my vision for local football is very exciting for the future of the game at our level. The aim is that we will be able to offer football for all generations,” said Clinton, a joint founder member of the Beacon league.

His plan for a separate development league is to cater for youth teams looking to step up to open age football.

Such 'youth teams' and genuine new teams would be accommodated in their own section to start with, before progressing to the main adult Beacon Championship after 12 months.

“It is hoped they would compete in their own league championship and a cup competition in their first season,” said Clinton, who hopes to attract youth teams from other local leagues.

“Teams would be able to acclimatise with our full backing and guidance. Depending on the response we receive we would call a meeting with interested parties (for both the development and senior sections) to discuss a format and then develop to suit.”

Likewise, the senior section would hopefully operate on a league format/cup knockout basis, although any final decision would not be taken until talks have been held with all interested teams.

Clinton added: “The senior section may interest groups of players who have played previously, but whose careers ended due to family/work commitments and the like.

"They may have a little more spare time now and can again fit in football, perhaps not on a weekly basis. It is hoped they would play against like-minded teams. As with the proposed development section the Beacon league will make a home for them.”

Any interested teams, for the proposed development or senior sections, or indeed next season's established Redbox Signmakers Championship should contact David Clinton on 07964 730275.

Click here for this weekend's Beacon League round-up.

The draw has been made for this season's NDT MIdlands Lester Charity Cup semi-finals, and it includes: AFC Vale v Dynamo Dudley, Black Country Rangers or Claregate Park Rangers, Sandwell Action v Old Cross Athletic.