The future of Jewish junior football looks to have been secured after the Maccabi (Southern) Primary Football League (MSPFL) confirmed that it would accommodate players aged seven to 17 next season.

The move came following last week’s announcement of the closure of the AJY Football League at the end of the current season. The MSPFL held an executive management meeting on Monday to find a way to save the junior game and it was unanimously agreed that they would run football for all age groups next season, and make every effort to provide the best facilities available for this to happen.

League chairman Laurence Thorne (below) said: “There is clearly still a demand for football in a Jewish environment. We anticipate running small-sided football from Under Seven to Under 10 on third generation artificial pitches to enable the youngsters to play on the best possible surfaces, not only making it more enjoyable for players but also for the spectators. Modern changing facilities will go hand-in-hand with these selected venues, giving these highly impressionable age groups the perfect start."

Thorne spoke of his plans to “form divisions for the Under 11 to Under 17 age categories and the final decision as to the make up of these leagues will be decided when we receive indications from the clubs as to level of support that we are likely to receive.

“All age groups will still have the opportunity to enter the popular and successful end of season open five-a-side day and as usual, an indoor five-a-side competition will be available for all teams participating in the MSPFL league.”

Over the coming weeks, the MSPFL will be working closely with Maccabi GB and using their experience in the community to take the junior footballers to the next level of progression. They will also offer opportunities for clubs to participate in a variety of competitions including the JCC Maccabi North American Games, representative matches and Community Kick Off.

Application forms for next season’s MSPFL league will be available shortly and the league will invite past and present football clubs, together with synagogues and schools interested in participating in the programme, to make contact as soon as possible.

Clubs interested should email primarynationalfootball@yahoo.com