Wed Nov 25, 2020 1:52 pm
Many of us played in the JOC and THE Crosby and District Sunday Football League
THE Crosby and District Sunday Football League has been forced to end after 46 years due to a lack of teams.
It comes as a blow to grassroots football after officials behind the amateur league claimed their hands were forced due to the high cost for clubs wanting to hire out pitches on Buckley Hill.
A meeting was called on Wednesday, May 21 when it was decided to bring an end to the organisation's long and successful history.
Other factors behind the move has been blamed on players opting to play five-a-side football where they are more likely to get time on the pitch.
The recent success of Liverpool and Everton FC has also been highlighted as a problem as many youngsters choose to watch their fixtures with many games being televised on a Sunday.
Officials also believe that the number of pubs and clubs closing down in the area made it difficult for teams to find sponsorship and there was also a problem in finding experienced referees to take charge of matches.
In the end, no new teams had applied to take part in the league next season and with a target of ten new clubs that needed to be found, it was considered an impossible aim.
League secretary Brian Metcalfe, who has been in the role for the past 26 years, said: “It has been an honour and privilege to be part of this great League and I am very sorry to witness the decline of the league over the last few years.
”It's been hard work sometimes but rewarding especially when you see Crosby sides winning major honours. I would like to thank everybody that has been involved with the league in the past.
“Thank you to all teams that have played in the league over the past 46 years, especially to Saltbox, who have ‘seen it out' right up to the end.”