THE East Lancashire Football Development Association is looking to launch a summer 11-a-side football league - the first to be held in the borough.

The ELFDA, in conjunction with the Blackburn Sunday Football League and the Blackburn and District Combination is inviting teams to take part in the league which will run through July and August.

It will be limited to the first 16 teams that apply to join and all games will be 30 minutes each way.

  • Entrance fee will be £40 per team and each team will share pitch fee and referees fee.
  • Only organised league teams, or a newly formed team who will be playing in a local league next season, will be allowed to enter.
  • The planned format will see teams drawn into four groups with each team to play each other once in group stages.
  • The top two teams in each group will go into a Champions League-style play off, while third and fourth in each group will go into a Europa play off.
  • All games will be played over seven weekends on the Astra turf at Witton Park.

William Maynard, chairman of the East Lancashire Football Development Association, says the competition will be an ideal way for players to compete fit during the summer months and enjoy competitive football.

“This could be good pre-season build-up for any club wishing to take part,” he said. “All teams will be guaranteed at least four games.

“Unfortunately, there is no Forbes Pre-Season Tournament being held at Pleasington so this an ideal way for teams to play some competitive football in the summer.”

Teams will be allowed to register to a maximum of 20 players and roll-on, roll-off substitutes will be used.

Players must have played in at least one group game to qualify for quarter finals and semi – finals, and two games for final ties.

For more information contact Bill Maynard on 07813 733595.