THE Warburton Youth League will hold one of the most important meetings of its 18-year history this week as it looks to launch small-sided football across Burnley.

The league has been told that funds will be made available to upgrade facilities and playing pitches across the borough - but only if it provides football for the younger age groups.

Burnley Miners Club on Plumbe Street is the venue for CONTINUED P17>> FROM PAGE XX the vital meeting which takes place on Thursday evening and clubs across the area have already been invited to attend.

The league, which was launched in 1990, currently runs teams from under 12s to under 17s but the aim now is to start teams in an under eight age group from next season.

The decision to expand the league comes after Burnley was one of seven areas in the North of England that has been ear-marked as part of the FA s Shaping the Future of Football strategy.

A fact-finding mission was held at the 1882 Lounge at Turf Moor last March where FA officials met with local league representatives and members of the public.

Blackburn with Darwen and the Ribble Valley are also areas that have been targeted by the campaign.

"This is one of the most vital meetings we have ever held," said vice chairman John Pilling. "The FA have told us that money will be made available to improve our facilities but they want us to introduce small-sided football which, to be honest, is something we have always wanted to do.

"This is a wonderful opportunity, not only for the league, but also for the future of junior football in the area. We know the funding is there so it is up to us and the clubs to make sure we get the small-sided leagues up and running."

There are already small-sides pitches available at the likes of Towneley Park and The Prairie and league officials are now hoping that it will help it provide junior football for every age group.

Pilling added: "When we launched the league 18 years ago the aim was to provide football from under eights all the way up to under 18s and through to the senior league. We have lost our younger teams in recent years but this is the ideal situation to get them back."

The league, along with Burnley Council's Football Development group, have already made giant strides to attract teams after a friendly under sevens league was held last season at Lower Towneley Park. It is hope those teams will make up the majority of the league.

"This is a carrot on a stick situation of us," added Pilling. "We know the funds are there were just need teams to come forward. The FA is committed, the league is committed it is just up to the clubs to show the same commitment."