Taunton Youth League 'could die' (From Somerset County Gazette)

Taunton Youth League 'could die'

5:52pm Wednesday 7th May 2008

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AN emergency meeting has been called over fears for the future of the Tony Pryce Taunton Youth Football League.

The executive committee has called the special meeting amid fears "an almost certain shortage of league officers" will severely curtail the football it will be able to offer next season.

"For some time now, a shortage of officers to run the league has been spoken about at management committee meetings," said league secretary Jim Walker.

"To date these warnings have fallen upon very deaf ears. No offers of assistance have been forthcoming."

Walker said the league had now reached "a point of no return".

"It is almost certain we shall lose two age group secretaries and a strong possibility that another two will not be available next season," he said.

"I have also indicated I would not be too upset if I could hand over the secretary's duties.

"Unless we can overcome these problems then I fear that, at best, the league will be severely curtailed and, at worst, could cease to function."

The league has played a vital role in youth football in the area over the years.

It currently features 36 clubs, who provide 125 teams from under-11 to under-16 level.

Walker said: "If the officers who are willing to carry on take on additional responsibilities, this will solve nothing.

"It will merely be papering over the cracks. We simply have to have more bodies to run the league.

"This meeting is called to emphasise the seriousness of the situation.

"If you want football next season there must be new recruits coming forward."

The meeting will be held straight after the league's presentation evening at the Peacock Club on Wednesday, May 14.

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