South have been playing in the Manchester Jewish Soccer League for the past 70 seasons but they have decided to move league “to keep friends playing together”.

The club opened its membership to non-Jewish players several years ago, although these players were unable to play in the MJSL, associated cup competitions and Peter Morrison National Trophy due to tournament rules.

A club statement said: “In 2019 we believe the wider message has to be inclusion, collaborative and multi-faith.

“We believe it would’ve been a great opportunity for the MJSL to embrace diversity and welcome people of all faiths to its values.

“It should be pioneering minority groups and reaching out to all genders too, plus all those with disabilities and other minorities should be seen as an opportunity for multi-cultural reform, rather than narrower aged views, not commensurate with modern times.”

South Manchester chairman Davis explained further, saying: “It’s something I’ve wanted us to do for some time, ever since we became an open club, which was a prerequisite in order to gain funding from the Sport England Football Foundation for our centre in Gatley.

“At the time, we welcomed all junior players, regardless of faith, and we are simply not prepared to say ‘sorry, you can’t play for us now’. We took the decision as they have been loyal to us.”

Davis went on to say: “We’ve informed the league and it was a very good meeting, with no bad feeling.” He confirmed Neil Collins will continue to sponsor the MJSL, in memory of his mother, Joan.