Hardwicke are looking forward to some high profile local derbies after reporting in the local press they have been accepted by the Sport Italia Hellenic League.

The Green Lane outfit, who ran away with the Surridge Gloucestershire County League by 17 points, have had their ground approved by Hellenic officials. If accepted at the Hellenic League AGM, they meet 2006 County League winners Lydney Town in their first season of step six football after Town were demoted because their facilities do not meet the required standard.

"We've been accepted (in principle - editor ) by the Hellenic League and we'll take our place in Sport Italia Hellenic League Division One West next season," said Hardwicke manager Warren Evans. "We had to write a letter to the County League and say we were resigning from it, but they were really pleased for us. It looks like Lydney are coming down, which is a shame for them, but we want to play against other local teams so we're looking forward to it."

Hardwicke overcame mid-season jitters to take the title with a run in that included 37 out of a possible 39 points. A surprise defeat to Tuffley Rovers made Evans' young side realise their title hopes were far from secured and they bounced back in style, while nearest rivals Hanham Athletic faltered.

"When we lost to Tuffley we were six points clear with a game in hand on Hanham in second place," added Evans. "But after we beat Hanham they sort of fell by the wayside. We had a meeting after the Tuffley game and I laid down a challenge to the kids. I told them we had to win every game. And they didn't do too bad. We won 12 out of 13 and drew the other one, 0-0 with Ellwood, which was right after our County Cup final."

But they completed a County League double by beating Ellwood on penalties in their League Cup final and Evans' men also retained the Stroud Charities Cup by default after the competition was abandoned due to fixture congestion. Silverware may be more difficult to find next season, but Evans is looking forward to seeing how his side fare at the next level and he insisted changes would be kept to a minimum.

He said: "We were playing with two forwards all season so we need a bit of cover in that area and we could do with another wide man in midfield. If our goalkeeper gets injured, we don't have a replacement, but that doesn't really matter as much, you can always get one from somewhere. But on the whole this group of kids deserve their chance after the season they've had and we're all excited to see how far they can progress."

The Constitution of the Divisions for next season is starting to take shape though the final outcome will not be known until all issues are confirmed following conclusion of meetings this week at the Football Association offices.

However, Brian King advises that Sport Italia Hellenic League Champions North Leigh will play in the BGB Southern League, Division One South & West next season.

Unfortunately the clubs that were relegated from Step 4 did not produce a relegation to the Sport Italia Hellenic League, as a consequence, Harrow Hill is also reprieved from relegation to Division One status, along with Fairford Town and Abingdon Town.

The possibility of clubs folding and possible relegations through clubs at the higher levels not resolving their financial position and ground grading requirements by designated date’s has impacted on the promotion and relegation issues. Hence the retention of clubs due to be relegated to Step FIVE from Step FOUR and also further up the system.

Once the draft Constitution is agreed by the League Executive, information will be posted on this web site.

The winner’s of the prizes in the League Grand Charity Draw which was made on Saturday 3rd May 2008 was as listed below:

Christian Ronaldo signed print Ticket No 4101 – Jason of Holyport FC

Weekend Break for Two Ticket No 4656 – Lydney Town FC

Meal for Two Ticket No 02972 – Cirencester United FC

Sport Italia Hellenic League General Manager Brian King took his wife Angela out for a meal on Wednesday evening. However, the trip was very much football orientated with Trophy presentations.

First stop was at Witney United were Club Chairman & general ‘dogsbody’ Steve Lake (right) was caught doing a little bit of tidying up before the presentation of the Veteran’s Division ONE WEST Championship Trophy to new club Ducklington, Alan Hughes received the Trophy from League Administration Secretary Angela King before the team (pictured at foot) went on to suffer a 4-1 defeat by Wychwood, their first league reverse of the season.

Back on the road and over to Milton United’s Height’s ground for two presentations. Firstly Angela presented the Vet’s Premier Division Trophy to ‘Kiddy’ Secretary and Vet’s player David Platt(left). Kidlington suffered just one defeat in league matches this season in retaining the title they also won in 2006-2007.

At half time in the Division ONE EAST match between Chinnor and Oxford City the final divisional winner’s trophy was presented to ‘Citys’ Julian Dark and Team Manager Paul Creed. City went on win the match 4-0 to record a perfect league season of TEN wins from TEN matches.

The meal out was the exquisite Milton United Sausage & Chips washed down with a cool drink courtesy of Milton President John Cannon and Chairman Barry Griffiths.

Next Tuesday 13th May the Over 40’s Knock-Out Final is being played at Clanfield FC with a 7.45PM kick Off. Ducklington will be looking for a League & Cup double with Goring ‘Old Boys’ looking to end their season on a high. Admission to the match is free.

Watlington has called time on their Vet's team and have indicated they will not be entering a team next season.

With decisions on the format for next season not yet resolved it is anticipated the Champion Club's in ONE EAST & WEST will be promoted to the Premier Division. The final Constitution of Divisions will be dependent on the continuance of other member clubs and new clubs wanting to enter the competition. At this time Goring United will need to wait a awhile to see if they will be retained in the Premier Division make up.

Two BGB Southern League clubs have expressed interest in entering a team into the 2008-2009 Veteran's Competition.

Premier Division Swindon Supermarine has requested information with a view to entering a team to play in the Competition. 'Marine' were members of the SIHL until their promotion to Level FOUR as Premier Division Champions in season 2000-2001 and it will be a pleasure to have them back in the Competition.

Also expressing interest is BGB Southern League Division One club Thatcham Town, who are exploring the possibilities of entering a team in the Hellenic Veterans League competition next Season and would like to hear from any players over the age of 35 who would be interested in joining the team.

Those who have played at, or visited, Thatcham Towns' Waterside Park Ground will know the excellent facilities available. The invitation is open to past Thatcham Town players and any other players who want to get into "competitive" structured football at over 35 level. Plus if there is a keen potential manager or player/manager the opportunity may be there for you. For further details regarding Thatcham email webmaster@hellenicleague.co.uk or vets@thatchamtownfc.co.uk

Up's Down's and Maybe's - 5th May

As I write these notes the situation regarding promotion and relegation to and from Step Four will not be resolved until three meetings at Soho Square on 12th, 13th & 14th May take place. Five Hellenic League Premier Division clubs applied for elevation and Four clubs received the required Football Association ‘E GRADE’, NORTH LEIGH, ALMONDSBURY TOWN, HUNGERFORD TOWN and FLACKWELL HEATH who have a ‘D’ Grade.

RELEGATION – Hellenic Division ONE;

AFC Wallingford, Harrow Hill, Fairford Town and Abingdon Town should be relegated however Lydney Town will take the place of Abingdon Town due to ground facility requirements and are at this time, relegated to DIVISION ONE status for season 2008-2009. However, there are many aspects to be considered before the foregoing relegations can be confirmed. There are also many aspects that have to be taken into account regarding next season’s Constitution of Clubs and it will not be until all eventualities are resolved that such decisions will be made.

PROMOTION – Hellenic PREMIER;

Regarding promotion to the Premier Division, at this time, I can confirm that the Champions and second placed clubs in ONE EAST, Chalfont Wasps and Marlow United will be promoted to the Premier Division as will the second placed club in ONE WEST, Old Woodstock Town. All three clubs meet the criteria set by the Hellenic League for promotion to the Premier Division. As a consequence with only three Clubs eligible to be promoted there is hope for Saturday’s hosts, Fairford Town, to be reprieved from the drop into One West, subject to meetings on 12th to 14th May.  

PROMOTION – Hellenic Division ONE;

Four clubs have applied for membership of Hellenic Division One being Hardwicke AFC champions of the Gloucestershire County League, Newbury FC who are guaranteed at least runners-up place in the Reading League. Lambourn Sports who look to be champions of the North Berks League, but have subsequently decided not to take a possible promotion. From the Oxfordshire Senior League Chadlington has applied for promotion but the outcome of that competition is not, at this time, known.

Other Changes

Decisions on the placement of relegated clubs from the Southern, Isthmian and Northern Premier League’s will be made at the meetings at Soho Square with the final ‘rubber stamping’ being made at the FA Leagues Meeting on 14th May. Some parallel transfers may also be made to smooth out numbers and geographical location in the various Step Five Competitions. It is anticipated that Badshot Lea and Reading Town will swap Competitions for season 2008-2009.

I would like to take this opportunity of expressing thanks to the Competitions sponsors for all of their input into the various elements of the Hellenic League this season.

I am also pleased to report that SPORT ITALIA will continue into season 2008-2009 as the headline sponsor.

SBJ - Insurance Brokers have advised their continuance in sponsoring the Challenge Cup.

Highworth press has agreed to continue to sponsor the Floodlit Cup Competition.

Discussions are ongoing with regard to the sponsorship of the Supplementary Cup and the Veteran’s Competition’s and no doubt with a little arm twisting the League Chairman, Bob Dalling, who has worked tirelessly visiting many member clubs on match days, should be persuaded to continue his sponsorship of the Reserve Challenge Cup..

Congratulations to the Division One Champion’s, Winterbourne United in the West and Chalfont Wasps in the East, as well as North Leigh the Premier Division Champions. A full listing of the season’s ‘Honour’s Board will be issued in the final BRC for the season

Brian King
General Manager On behalf of the Management Board

The Newbury Weekly News report Newbury FC are set to bring senior football back to the town after clinching a top two promotion spot in the Reading Senior League with an emphatic victory at Cookham Dean, though they will be kept waiting until to find out if they will be champions with challengers Westwood United having a game to play next weekend.

However, they made certain of at least the runners-up spot and a promotion place to the Hellenic League in what was the last game as manager for Keith Moss, who celebrates his 70th birthday in July. Moss says he has "received assurances from the Hellenic League and the FA that a top two spot will be good enough for promotion", and his side certainly did the business on the pitch when it mattered on Saturday. The celebratory scenes at the final whistle showed how much it meant to Newbury FC's players and management who have secured promotion in their first season in the Reading Senior League.

Any formal acceptance of Newbury FC into the Sport Italia Hellenic League has yet to be clarified publicly and would not be ratified until the member clubs AGM in June.

Hellenic League Programme Of The Year 2007/2008

by Programme Monthly

For the third season in succession, all programmes were submitted for judging by League General Manager Brian King (writes Bernard Dennis).

In the Premier Division, Witney United were winners for the second year, having been runners-up in 2005/06.  Hook Norton was second, having been second in Division One West last season.

Division One East produced the most improved programme, that of Bisley Sports.  They were sixth last season with 145 points, and won it this season with 231 points.

In Division One West again it was Wootton Bassett Town, who has now won the Divisional title for three years in a row, and with a 60 point increase.  They were also overall winners for the Hellenic League, with Bisley Sports second and Binfield third.

The Hellenic League is the ideal model for the Non League Program of the Year awards – copies are submitted by the League General Manager and there is a near 100% submission as a result.  With, at best, a ‘patchy’ response across other Leagues, we have had to rely once again this year on the efforts of judges who have followed clubs in the Leagues they have marked, and who have therefore accumulated copies of the majority of club programmes. The next two months issues of Programme Monthly will complete the Non League awards for all other League, and the overall winner.

Congratulations to the Divisional winners and especially to Wootton Bassett Town FC who are the Sport Italia Hellenic League overall winners. It will be interesting to see how "Bassett" do in the national awards!

Webmaster Note: This years Southern Area Semi-Final is being held at Milton United this Sunday (20th April), the winners then meet in the National final against opposition from the Northern Area in May.

In season 2006/2007 Milton United Under 15's, under the management of Jeremy Lewis, progressed to the National Final, held at Burton Albion's prestigious Pirelli Stadium.

Information was received in the League Office on Friday that three Referee’s with Sport Italia Hellenic League connections are amongst the 67 Match Official’s who have been promoted to Level Three and will, fitness test permitting, be moving up to referee Southern League, Isthmian League and Northern Premier League etc. football from season 2008-2009.

Former Hellenic Referee Neil Davies who operated on this league whilst studying at Oxford has been selected for promotion from the West Cheshire League. Neil stated in an e-mail to General Manager Brian King; “I have no doubt that my good performances this season have been aided considerably by the experience that I gained whilst operating on the Hellenic League whilst I was at university. I am very grateful for that. I hope that all is well for you, and that the League continues to go from strength to strength. My congratulations also, to those referees who have been successful from the Hellenic League panel this season”.

Also promoted is Bicester referee Paul Redmond and from Reading Simon Maynard. In both cases their consistent season was borne out by the reports attributed to them by Match Assessors who viewed these two individuals at least six times during the current season. The hard work and enthusiasm of Paul and Simon will be fully rewarded when they officiate as the Match referee in the League’s Challenge and Supplementary Challenge Cup Finals on Saturday 3rd May at Fairford Town.

Congratulations to all three.

The initial FA inspection undertaken in early March at Almondsbury Town's Oakland Park revealed a few inadequacies that have been rectified and the club has been recommended for an FA Grade 'E' following a further FA inspection on those issues that the 'Almonds' fell short of then.

This would allow Almondsbury Town to be promoted should they be declared Champions for the current season. However the final decision on the designation for the club will be ratified when the FA Technical Panel meets, hopefully next week.

Should the recommendation be agreed then two of the present top three will have the necessary FA Grade for promotion, North Leigh were awarded an E Grade a couple of seasons ago but will be subject to a re-visit to ensure facilities have been manitained to the required standard.

Hungerford Town will be re-visited today, Wednesday 2nd April, after feverish weekend work was undertaken to address the issues raised in last weeks initial FA inspection. Again, if the work has been completed to the required standard and the recommendation is for an E Grade that will also be subject to ratification by the FA Technical Panel meeting.

Hellenic World Cup Coup – 1st April

A chance encounter by League Chairman Bob Dalling, could see the England team to take on an Hellenic representative side prior to the World Cup Qualifying fixture against Ukraine next year.

The seeds for this historic and unique event were sown on a transatlantic flight in February when Hellenic League Chairman Bob Dalling, found himself seated next to Neivostri Sogni one of Fabio Capello’s backroom staff.

Dalling (pictured) who can converse in Italian, had an enjoyable flight discussing football aspects at all levels, and both men got talking about the preparation for big games. During discussion Dalling mentioned there were numerous Hellenic League grounds within in a fifteen minute drive of the England training ground at Bisham Abbey.

Thinking no more of it Dalling was shocked when Sport Italia General Manager Brian King phoned him later in the month to say that Soho Square had been in contact. Looking to discuss arranging a training game for the England squad against an Hellenic League rep side prior to the Ukraine match.

A firm date and venue has not yet been put in place, though with England facing Ukraine at Wembley exactly one year from today, the weekend before hand would seem to be the most suitable.

Southern League Thatcham Town have endorsed the appointment of an experienced management team who have proved themselves within the Sport Italia Hellenic League. Gary Ackling is confirmed as manager, who will be joined by ex - Carterton manager Steve Hale next season.

Ackling, with Milton United for three seasons until March this year, stepped in as temporary manager for two games when the management team resigned following a defeat at Abingdon United. Thatcham decided to act quickly with Ackling's permanent appointment to allow a new management team time to plan for the new season.

The appointment of Steve Hale as assistant manager and head coach, further strengthens the football commitment of the club. 34 year old Hale, a Uefa "B" Licenced and FA Level Two Goalkeeper coach, will take an active part from the end of the season after seeing through his commitments to Western league Devizes Town which he is currently managing.

Thatcham Town Chairman, Eric Bailey commented. "The deciding factor in the appointments was the mature levels of professionalism the pair showed. This combined with their desire to develop, not only first team football, but the standard at other levels in the club. A desire which matches the Committees aims to improve all aspects of football involvement within the club and community."

Through Acklings' recommendation, Thatcham have also appointed Richard "Doctor" Fox as the first team Sports Injury Therapist, Fox was with Ackling at Hungerford Town and Milton United. During his time with Milton, Richard Fox was one of the first people to take part in Hellenic League scheme to subsidise the costs to clubs in putting forward entrants to gain accredited Sports Injury Therapy qualifications.

The draw was made this afternoon for the two leg semi finals of the SoccerKits Plus Hellenic Supplementary Challenge Cup.

With two Quarter-Final ties to be played the draw sees the winners of the Shortwood United or Oxford City Nomads tie, due to be played on 29th March, at home in the 1st leg of the semi-final to Abingdon Town who beat Clanfield 2-0 on Thursday evening.

The other semi final will see current holders, Ardley United the 4-2 victors against Marlow United in their quarter final tie, at home in the 1st leg to the winners of next Thursday evening’s quarter final between Wantage Town and Carterton.

Details of dates of the ties will be issued when resolved.

Is this the lull before the storm? Only TWO Players Transfers in the past week but with just over two weeks to the registration & transfer deadline day there may well be a rush over the next two weeks. Total number of registrations & transfers to Friday 14th MARCH has now reached 4445.

A fair number of Player Transfers in the past two weeks as clubs look to manipulate their squads before the final date for Registrations & Transfers of 5pm on 31st March.

There was a little bit of shuffling the pack in the past week that saw Paul Day move from Malmesbury Vic’s back to Wantage Town whilst Adam Giles filled the gap by moving to Vic’s from Hungerford Town.Old Woodstock has extended the short term loan of John Mills to the last day of the League season and Witney United and Abingdon Town finally resolved the matter of the transfer of Christian Perkins back to the ‘Blanketmen’.

Kieren Bushnell is a referee on the Sport Italia Hellenic League with a day job in the ‘Oxford Mail’ as a Sports Reporter. On Tuesday evening he visited one of the Premier Division’s strugglers Fairford Town whose opponent’s are also at the ‘wrong end’ of the league table.

Possibly this would have been seen as a rather tempestuous affair as points are vital to both clubs in their battle against relegation. Nothing could be further from the truth of the events of the evening and the following communication was received in the League Office on Wednesday.

“Thought I would drop you a line to let you know what a pleasurable experience it was last night refereeing the Fairford Town v Pegasus Juniors match. All too often we hear of the bad aspects of the game, and so I think that both Fairford and Pegasus should be commended for making last night such a pleasant evening for myself and my two assistants.

This was my first visit to Fairford, or at least the first time I've actually refereed them as the last time I was there the game was called off due to fog 15 minutes before kick off. With the weather conditions far from ideal, being a frosty and foggy evening, I was very grateful to both clubs and their officials for the way they worked with me to allow the game to be played. As it turned out, it was the right decision to play the game as the pitch conditions improved as the game went on. In response, the players produced a game which is a credit to the league and played in the right spirit throughout. Although both teams are in the lower reaches of the table, they both played their part in an entertaining game and both captains were a delight to work with.

I was also pleased with the way that all the players from both sides plus the management teams took into account the conditions and accepted our decisions in a generally sporting manner. The whole evening was a fantastic experience and both clubs are a credit to the league for the way they conducted themselves both on and off the field. The hospitality afforded to myself and my two assistants was gratefully received, allowing us all to warm up after a chilly night. I even had the Fairford cleaner asking if my changing room was clean enough!

All in all, I would like to pass my thanks on to both clubs for the way the game was played and the way they conducted themselves. The Sport Italia Hellenic policy regarding ‘Inappropriate Language’ was certainly seen to be working in this fixture and long may it continue.”

Kieren Bushnell
Match Referee

Transfers & Loans to 16th February

Hectic week for transfers with ten player transfers being finalised on Friday although a number of them were known of earlier in the week. However, the paperwork arrives on the Friday with Managers & Club Official’s then panicking if the Transfer is going to be completed to allow selection. There is an easy answer – get the paperwork processed through before FRIDAY and make life easier for all!  

Another eight players moved clubs in the past seven days with Bicester Town signing two and letting two move on. Malmesbury Vic’s and Cirencester United are both still trying to improve their squads to get out of the bottom two spots in One West.

Similar to previously advised by the Oxon FA, the Berks & Bucks will be running 3 events between 26th Feb & 14th March where the future of football in their jursidiction will be discussed and debated. They need the help and assistance of member clubs in ensuring that your priorities are written in to our 4 year plans. Full details download . . . . B&B pdf

Transfers & Loans to 1st February

Whilst the transfer window in the professional game closed at midnight 31st January the lower levels of the game still sees player movement each week to 31st March. The club involved in the most moves this past week was Kidlington with two players moving to Flackwell Heath and one signing in from Witney United.   

Another busy week on the Hellenic transfer scene, with several notable moves being completed.
The Paul Cooper saga was completed on Friday with his move to potential champions North Leigh after Cooper had returned from a mid-season break. Gerald Kelly has moved to Clanfield on Temporary Loan and the Loan of Ben John from Weston Super Mare to Almondsbury Town has been further extended to the full 93 day period allowed.

Anyone in the Country with an involvement or interest in grassroots football can help by having your say at forthcoming consultation events being organised by County Football Association’s and filling in an online questionnaire through the CFA web site.

The Oxfordshire FA, as all other County FA’s, is taking feedback from the events and questionnaires as part of The Football Association National Game Strategy 2008 – 2012. Data previously gathered by The FA 18 months ago has shown that 6.8m people play some form of football in England – 2.9m adults and 3.9m children. There are 125,000 affiliated teams playing in over 2,000 leagues, providing structured football for over 1.5m people every week. Around 25,000 officials are trained to control these matches but there is a severe shortage that is never addressed despite recruiting around 7,000 new officials each year replacing those lost through natural wastage and other issues.

The FA sought the views of over 18,000 players, coaches, parents, officials, coaches, referees, administrators, tutors and fans as to how the views are prioritized. Now it is your chance to tell the OFA how they can work with others to improve the game and sustain its future.

Questionnaires have been sent out by the Oxfordshire FA and are also available online or you can contact the OFA headquarters. Details of the Consultation Events are also on the OFA website – www.oxfordshirefa.com

A claim to be the 1,000,000th visitor to the Sport Italia Hellenic League web-site has been received from Andy Peyton.

A regular visitor to the League web-site Andy is the father of 18 year old Louis Peyton who is registered with Premier Division club Shortwood United.

Andy went on line on Thursday morning and checked the visitor counter and was amazed to see the Magic Number of 1,000,000 recorded and has made the claim of the 1,000,000th visitor.

This is a terrific landmark for the Hellenic League after just three and a half years of operation that has seen much innovation introduced including 'On Line' Registration of Players and Match Reporting.

The official Hellenic League Web Site was launched on 10th June 2004, in the next 24 - 48 hours we will achieve the ONE MILLIONTH Daily Visitor to the site.

In the first season, 2004-2005, the highest number of visitors in a single day was 449 with an average daily visitor tally over the season being 235. The following year with the site becoming better known the average number of visitors rose dramatically.

On calender statistics, January to December, 2006 saw 233,081 visitors making a total of 751,000 page views. 2007 gave a further remarkable increase to 376,000 visitors making 1,054,000 page views, most visitors for one day was achieved recently at 1535.

As well as being able to take company advertising for an exceptionally small annual fee of £150, including artwork creation, this season search links through Google and advertising through this medium has enhanced the web site and also provides a small income stream to offset the running costs incurred by the Hellenic League to provide this service. Any interested advertisers should contact the League Manager by e-mail on: office@hellenicleague.co.uk

Transfers & Loans to 12th January

The draw for the two-leg semi final of the Hellenic Floodlit Cup sponsored by HPL could see two local derby ties if Bicester Town are able to overcome Flackwell Heath in the outstanding Quarter Final tie that was postponed on Tuesday.

The draw is:
1st Leg
Kidlington v Witney United
Flackwell Heath or Bicester Town v Ardley United

2nd Leg
Witney United v Kidlington
Ardley United v Flackwell Heath or Bicester Town

Dates of ties will be advised shortly.

At the end of 2007 a total of 3851 Players have been registered to play in Hellenic league Competitions, including Veterans Competition Matches.Also to end of 2007 155 Transfers have been processed.

Transfers & Loans Week Ending 4th January

At the turn of the year some people will be looking towards mid April and the London Marathon. In past years there have been Players, Match Official’s and Club Officials who have taken part and lived to tell the tale. This season we are looking for information on those people involved in the Hellenic League as players, match officials etc, who have been accepted to run in this year’s London Marathon.

This first person to themselves forward is Highworth Town Reserves Captain MICHAEL O'SULLIVAN (aka Sully) who is running the Flora London Marathon, Sunday 13th APRIL, in aid of Crimestoppers. Michael is a serving Police Officer in Swindon so he had to run for Crimestopers really. Crimestoppers is an independent UK wide charity working to stop crime.

Michael has a target of £1,200 to raise in sponsorship, and writes :-

I was hoping if any of our many readers, friends or family or any supporters of the Hellenic League including players I may have kicked, or been kicked by, or anyone I may know, or not know, through football, or just anyone who might want to sponsor me?

It's really easy. With modern technology you can do it on line so I don't have to hound you. You can donate online by credit or debit card at the following address: http://www.justgiving.com/michaeljosullivan All donations are secure and sent electronically to Crimestoppers. If you are a UK taxpayer, Justgiving will automatically reclaim 28% Gift Aid on your behalf, so your donation is worth even more. Please join me in supporting Crimestoppers and a fabulous cause.

Thank you

Sully

The Football Association announced last week that the Trustees of the FA National Sports Centre Trust recently agreed to set up a new grant aid scheme for clubs playing at Step 6 (Sport Italia Hellenic Division ONE East & West) and below of the National League System. The scheme will provide funding towards the cost of the following projects:
· Installation of floodlights
· New or improvements to Dressing Rooms
The maximum grant will be £10,000 and can be used as partnership funding for clubs seeking financial assistance from other funding agencies such as the Football Foundation. Application forms are available from Soho Square.

Interested clubs should register their interest by email to the FA League’s Manager Mike Appleby, e-mail to mike.appleby@thefa.com with a copy to the League Office. Mike will arrange for an application form to be sent to the club.

This is a new funding stream and it is hoped that clubs will agree this will be a welcome boost to clubs who are seeking to improve their facilities especially now that the Football Foundation have reduced the % level of funding available to clubs.

FA VASE 3rd Round Draw - 19th November

The draw for the next round of the FA Vase sponsored by Carlsberg has been very unkind to the three remaining Sport Italia Hellenic League clubs in this season’s competition with all three being drawn to travel to ties away from home, but that’s all part of such competitions.

The draw sends Flackwell Heath to Camberley Town who are currently second in the Cherry Red Records Combined Counties League with just three defeats in 15 league matches.

Shrivenham who beat Dawlish 3-2 on Saturday, travel to Moneyfields, who play in the Sydenhams Wessex League. Moneyfields are in 15th place at present with six wins, two draws and five defeats in their league so far this season.

Hungerford Town, after clinically beating Gillingham Town of the Dorset Premier League, travel to Plymouth Parkway who top the South West Peninsula Premier Division. Parkway boast a good record this season, in 13 league matches they have won Ten, Drawn 2 and lost just once.

The 32 ties in the 3rd Round are scheduled to be played on 8th December. Best wishes to all three for more success.

There is a problem with delivering e-mail from the league office to club officials, who have BT or Yahoo designated email addresses.

This is nothing to do with the Hellenic League systems, but an overall problem which relates to the BT/Yahoo mail framework. It is also affecting mail being deliveredfrom numerous other service providers to the BT/Yahoo network. I am advised it is to do with the spam monitoring systems in place on the BT/Yahoo network.

It you are a club official who has an email address listed with the Hellenic League for important communication, please ensure that you have the office@hellenicleague.co.uk address saved in the address book of the email package you use. This should provide the mail server with confirmation that it is accepted mail.

Should this not overcome the problem, the alternative resource is to open an additional non BT/Yahoo affiliated e-mail account through either Google, Hotmail or a similar provider.

The service is free of charge and details can be found on these links Google Mail or Hotmail

If you need to take the second route you will of course have to inform the League Office of any email address change.

Hopefully BT/Yahoo will sort out the gliches in their system in time to come, but it is imperative that club officials with BT/Yahoo communication addresses can ensure they are receiving communication from the League Office.

This is a message for any Footballers and their parents who are planning on leaving School at the end of this academic year after your GCSE's.

Oxford & Cherwell Valley College run a Football Development Centre, in association with Abingdon United FC and is open to both Boys & Girls that caters for over 40 students each year. The courses offered are a First Diploma in Sport (Performance), a two year BTEC National Diploma in Sport & Exercise Science and a two year BTEC National Diploma in Performance & Excellence.

Students who attend the College course receive 10 hours of professional coaching each week from 3 UEFA qualified Coaches and compete in the English College League and the Youth Conference League. They also undertake their academic studies alongside the training covering a wide range of subjects including Psychology, Fitness, Nutrition and Coaching to name but a few.

The Development Centre is run as professionally as possible and follows the main structure of many Academy set-ups. Training is held on private Sports grounds, providing an excellent environment to learn and improve. There is also Sports Injury clinics held for students who are unable to train, helping them get back into training as soon as possible. Theory lessons also run the day after a game, where students are able to watch the game from the previous day with the Coach.

There is also the opportunity to gain additional qualifications such as the FA Basic Treatment of Injuries and FA Level 1 & 2 Coaching Badges along the way.

It is a well run course that is now in its sixth year of running and the current crop of players are doing very well. The Conference team currently sit joint second of the Youth League and the ECFA squad are currently successfully defending their league and cup double they won last season. Previous students from the course have represented England at U19 level, travelling to Italy and Spain to compete in National Competitions.

The Girls team have also done very well in previous years, reaching the National Cup Semi Finals and also winning their own regional league. One of our Female footballers was also selected to represent the Republic of Ireland last season.

http://www.football.mitoo.co.uk/LeagueTab.cfm?TblName=Matches&DivisionID=121&LeagueCode=FCYL2007

The College has continued to expand and develop its Football Development Centre and was awarded the FA Charter Standard Award for Excellence in May of this Year.

The College have already started taking applications for the next Academic year (starting September '08), with trial dates being arranged in March 2008 and if you would like any more information on the courses then please do not hesitate to contact Des Buckingham at the College on 01865 550799 or via email DBuckingham@ocvc.ac.uk

If you would like to keep up to date as the season unfolds, log on to www.abingdonunitedfc.co.uk and click on the teams link on the opening page of the website and select the U19 pages, there you will find up to date match reports/photos as well as player profiles and the latest league tables.

You can view the latest league table by the following this link (the College is playing under the Abingdon United banner to comply with League rules):

A fair number of transfers have happened since the last issue of BRC as shown below. The full picture of Registrations will be included in the next issue.

With the ever increasing use of anonimity on web site chatrooms, the article accessed from the link below, places a great responsibililty on administrator's of such sites.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2007/oct/22/news.blogging

With the High Court judgement that is discussed in the article the potential for legal action against site administrators/moderators is immense and great care will need to be exercised by those running such sites if they do not wish to leave themself/s open to possible litigation."

Despite regular well meaning requests in the past 3 years,the Management Board of the League has always steered clear of including a 'Chat Room' on the Official League web site, the same policy taken by the majority of FA affilated web portals and official league sites. Clearly the reason why this philosophy has been followed is now being substantiated by this football related court case, and many other similar legal actions which have taken place in the past18 months.

Acknowledgement to The Guardian media services.

Transfers & Registrations - 21st October

First transfer of the week saw James Baldwin move from Lydney Town, were he made seven appearances, to Shortwood United.

Friday saw several player transfers cleared through the League Office, Vinnie Byfield has left Bicester Town after eleven appearances for Witney United.

The saga of the Owen Bunce transfer was completed with a move from Kidlington to Old Woodstock Town.

Karl Lewis made his 5th appearance for Prestwood in late September, strangely against Marlow United, the club he has moved to.

Dan Beck has played six matches for Hungerford Town this season and has moved on a short term loan to struggling ONE WEST Malmesbury Vic’s.

Gary Marshall has left Old Woodstock Town after twelve appearances and moved to ONE EAST promotion contenders Thame United. 

Dan Watkin has moved from Banbury United Reserves to Easington Sports, finally, Henley Town has signed Graham Pickersgill from Binfield.

Oxford City Nomads has loaned Mark Janes to Witney United for 28 days after making five appearances for Nomads this season.

After moving to Henley Town on 7th September from Didcot Town , Shane Small-King has made the reverse move without kicking a ball in Hellenic Competitions.

After a loan period in August & September at Ardley United, when he made three appearances, Matthew Dixon has now transferred from Hook Norton to Ardley.

Tytherington Rocks have signed Ben John (pictured) on a 28 day loan from Blue Square Conference South club Weston-Super-Mare.

Ben Spillman, a 3rd year scholar with Oxford United, has signed non contract terms with Premier Division club Kidlington for an indeterminable period with OUFC having use of the player as may be required.

Goal scoring forward Jemel Johnson has left One East club Henley Town after making seven appearances and scoring five goals to try his luck with Premier Division Milton United whose manager Gary Ackling was impressed with him when the two clubs met in the FA VASE recently.

Sam Dennison has left Binfield after eleven appearances and moved to Ascot United.

The Draw for the HPL Floodlit Cup was made in the League Office today 10th October and resulted in the following ties;

Registrations & Transfers - 6th October

Another 94 players registered this week the grand total registered is now 3269. The breakdown by Division being:

The most notable signing of the week is the month long loan of Swindon Town’s Andy Caton to North Leigh. The loan of Caton starts on 8th October.

 There have been 44 Transfers concluded so far this season.

Transfers

With Carterton Vet’s having found the necessary people to run the team Steve Hanham has moved from Wychwood back to Carterton were he played last season.

Richard Boden has moved from Shrivenham after eleven 1st team appearances and signed for Highworth Town.

Two players moving from Hungerford Town this week are Dominic Dunton and Sean Terry. Dunton, who made two appearances for Hungerford has transferred to Tytherington Rocks. Sean Terry has temporarily moved to Wootton Bassett Town.

The only two transfers resolved on Friday saw Stuart Braun move from Thame United, were he had made seven appearances, to home town club Chinnor.

Bicester Town signed youngster Ricki Bridges pre-season but has not made an appearance and is trying his luck at Ardley United.

Over 40's Cup Competition Cup Draw - 5th October.

Two Clubs indicated their intention not to be included, albeit Kidlington shortly after the draw was made, resulting in some fine tuning.Top two in each group will go forward to a Knock Out competition that will be drawn when the competing clubs are known.

KO matches will be played on the ground usually used by the first drawn club in Q Final & S Final rounds. The final will be on a ground designated by the Competitions Committee.

Depending on weather & playing conditions over the next few months will decree if a 'PLATE' Competition can be run within the structured season.

Only Watlington advised they do not wish to be entered into this competition. The 19 teams will be drawn into four mini groups of 4/5 & will play each opponent once on designated grounds.

The top two in each mini group will go into a knock out phase to produce two finalists.

Processing of matches and possible weather interruption will decree if there will be a Plate Competition for clubs finishing 3rd to 4th/5th.

Excerpts from the 'Swindon Adver' 1st October

FRUSTRATED Swindon Supermarine manager Mark Collier will step up his search for a new striker this week after his shot-shy BGB Business Southern Premier side crashed to defeat against 10-man Rugby Town. Collier believes Marine are lacking a "spark" up front and there was plenty of evidence to support his theory during Saturday's depressing 1-0 reverse at Hunts Copse. He said: "Trying to get in strikers of real quality is a priority for us. The final third is giving us some concern at this moment in time. . . . . . .We've spoke to a Hellenic League player in the last week but his wages were astronomical, so we'll have to keep looking" . . . . . . . .

Looks like Chelsea will be taking an interest in the Hellenic League talent soon!!

Player Transfers 29th September

Dean Thomas made his Wokingham & Emmbrook debut in the Reserve Cup on 22nd September and four days later transferred to Finchampstead.

As well as signing Kevin Lewis from Southern League Abingdon United early this week Witney United has signed another midfielder in Luke Brandon from Ardley United. Brandon has made Eleven League appearances for Ardley this season scoring just one goal on the opening day of the season.   

Duncan Currie signed for Launton Sports pre-season but has not pulled on a Sports shirt in competitive action and on Friday transferred to Bicester Town.

Witney United resolved goalkeeper problems by signing Lee Farrow on a temporary 28 day loan from Oxford City Nomads. Farrow has made ten appearances for City Nomads this season.

Player Transfers 22nd September

The first transfer of the week came as something of a shock with prolific striker Jimmy Potts parting company with Tytherington Rocks were he has scored over 110 goals since Rocks joined the Hellenic family in just over 100 league matches. He has moved to near neighbours Winterbourne United who hope he will form a devastating partnership with Scott Cameron.

Lewis Gabbidon left Bicester Town on Monday destination Kidlington. Whilst at Bicester this season Gabbidon made two early season Premier appearances.

The revolving door at Witney United is still turning with 6th transfer out being Cheltenham based Robert Cruse who has sailed off to Highworth Town after just one Reserve appearance funnily against Highworth.

Lewis Craker became the 7th player to move from Witney United, also on Friday. Craker made four August appearances and was sent off when playing against Ardley United on 21st August. He has been transferred to home town club Chinnor. 

Registrations

Another 133 players registered this week the grand total registered is now 3100. The breakdown by Division being:

Player Transfers - 16th September

Early transfers in the past week saw Robert Fleming move to Cirencester United on Tuesday from Shortwood United were he had not made an appearance.

Michael Weir made a couple of early season appearances for Bicester Town moved to Abingdon Town on Wednesday.

Nathan Jack has found the travel from High Wycombe to Kidlington rather difficult as he is a non driver and has returned to his club of last season Thame United.

After just a single Reserve team appearance Rory Sproule has left Highworth Town and transferred to neighbours Shrivenham. Another player who has left Highworth is Matthew Boucher who made two appearances before transferring to Fairford Town.

Mark Odom made six appearances for Witney United this season and on Thursday signed transfer paperwork to move to Carterton.

Callum Coull has stepped up to Premier pace setters Flackwell Heath from ground sharing Marlow United.

Craig Hambridge has not kicked a ball in anger for Abingdon Town, has moved back to Kidlington.

Leon Smith has moved to AFC Wallingford on a short term loan from Milton United.

Registrations

With another 150 or so players registered this week the grand total registered is now 2866.

Louise Baldwin, who took a break from Assistant referee duties earlier this year due to her then forthcoming 'Happy Event'.
Well the event was staged on 15th August and Elena Charlotte May Baldwin, known as Elly, was born on that great day, weighing 8lb 11oz. She shares her birthday with Princess Anne (and Brian King!!), great date Louise.

Louise has reported that Elly is doing brilliantly and is a very happy, contented baby. Louise is doing fine and has taken to motherhood but misses her officiating. Four weeks after becoming a mother she expects to start running again and hopes to be back running the line sometime after Christmas. Hope the new season is going well for all.

National Awards for Hellenic Groundsmen - 7th September

Sport Italia Hellenic League Milton United's, John "Buffalo" Belcher, and Didcot Town's, Patrick "Paddy" Burton, both won prestigious trophies at The FA National "Groundsman of the Year Awards" presentation at Windsor Racecourse on Wednesday 5th September. Praise for their commitment and skill, was reaped from football icon Sir Trevor Brooking, and Wembley Stadium's head grounds manager, Steve Welch.

The award competition, includes the groundsmen from The Premier League; The Championship; Division 1 and 2 and all the leagues throughout England from the Football Conference, through to grounds used by over 450 Local Authorities.

The pitches of the respective entrants are inspected by some of the top grounds officials associated with the FA.

Milton's John Belcher,(pictured left) who over the past 10 years has turned ground, which was once an orchard, into one of the top football surfaces in the county, was an unwitting entrant. The recommendation was made by Brian King, General Manager of the Hellenic League, who had seen the development take place from day one. The creation of a clay based area, notorious for retaining water, to fine playing surfaces which enticed Oxford United's approach to Milton United to use the facility for the professional club's training base. "Bufallo's" work of love was rewarded with him receiving the runners up award for all grounds nationally at level 5 and 6, at the first attempt.

BGB Southern League Didcot Town's Paddy Burton was placed second best for his ground at step 4 level, and he was also placed third nationally for all clubs participating in the Southern, Unibond and Ryman Leagues at non-league pyramid levels three and four. Paddy has also won the level 5 and 6 category in previous years, for the pitch he has created at Loop Meadow

When you consider the number of football grounds in the country and the entrants included in the competition, it is fine recognition of the unpaid time and effort put in by these two "neighbours", from clubs less than 3 miles apart. An accolade for their skills, though in no way a coincidence, they have both dedicated themselves to achieving the best for their clubs.

Thanks For The Ground Hop - 28th August

The congratulations for the week end were emailed to the League Office this morning -

Good morning Brian.
I just wanted to thank you, everyone else from the Hellenic League and all the clubs involved for all the time and effort you put in to ensuring yet another hugely enjoyable and successful "Hellenic Hop"

Quite how you managed to arrange such splendid weather is beyond me but the sunshine was simply "the cherry on a superb cake". Once again a triumph for you and the League.

Many congratulations and thanks.

Geoff Combes

James Cole (pictured) has been appointed player-manager of last seasons Hellenic League Champions Slimbridge, following the summer turmoil at Wisloe Road.

The Swans resigned from the British Gas Business Southern League Division One Midlands last month.  Cole had already been chosen to run the club's reserve side in Gloucestershire Northern Senior League, and he keeps the reins now the two teams have been merged.

Cole will be assisted by last season’s 1st team captain, Leon Sterling, and the pair oversaw a 12-1 drubbing of Cheltenham Civil Service in round three of the Reg Davis Memorial Cup on Saturday.

Registrations & Transfers - 18th June

Seven days of the season gone and a few shocks already. Registration Officer Clive Webb has registered in excess of 150 players following the first Saturday’s matches.

Premier Division clubs have, so far, registered 654 players with 601 now registered for ONE WEST clubs. Division ONE EAST clubs have increased the number of registered players to 641 and in the Reserve Section 59 players have been registered ready for Reserve Division action.

Although Veteran’s Section matches do not start until 12th September 99 Players have been registered already.

Mark Simms has opted for a transfer to Abingdon Town after being told he is not an automatic choice at Andy Lyne’s Witney United.

Registrations & Transfers - 12th August

The 2007-2008 season opened with 1812 players registered and TWO Transfers already made.

Premier Division clubs have, so far, registered 623 players with 552 being registered for ONE WEST clubs. Division ONE EAST clubs have registered 595 players and Abingdon United and Didcot Town has registered 42 players ready for Reserve Division action.

On the transfer front TWO players moved clubs before a ball was kicked in anger:
Gavin Connor - Easington Sports to Banbury Utd - Luke Thorn Ascot United to Eton Wick FC

Hellenic Donate to Charities          

At a recent Clubs General Meeting Sport Italia Hellenic League General Manager Brian King presented cheques totaling almost £9,500 to charity. The money was mainly raised through sales of the league’s 50th Anniversary publication, 50 Glorious Season’s of the Hellenic Football League, copies still available, together with various other fund raising activities during the past couple of years.

Cheques were presented to Emily Lever, Community Fund Raising Manager of CLIC-SARGENT, Karen Smith of the Churchill Hospital, Jane Ashley Breast Cancer Unit and Maureen McCreadie representing Friends of Helen & Douglas House Hospice.

A cheque was also presented to Dogs for the Disabled based in Banbury. Part of the donation will be allocated to the Charities ‘Purchase a Puppy’ campaign and Brian’s Grand Daughter Chloe has already selected the name for the puppy when it is purchased. The name selected is LUCKY. Hopefully we will be able to follow-up the selection & training process over the coming months.

Image shows (L to R)

Emily Lever, Christine & Alan Parrett with dogs Cassie & Della either side Brian King, Karen Smith, Maureen McCreadie

Nearly 200 further players were registered over the weekend to play in the Sport Italia Hellenic League. On Sunday there were just three clubs yet to register players, though paperwork has been received and should be processed later today.

Launton Sports have been picking up players with Hellenic experience as they embark on their first season in One West Signed from Old Woodstock Town are veteran Duncan Currie, Jon-Paul Hannaway, Nick Neal and Chris Webber. Spencer Warr has signed for Launton from Bicester Town.

Stuart Barr and Gavin Way have moved from Chinnor to Thame Utd whilst Richard Sanford has left Eton Wick and signed for Englefield Green Rovers.

Marlow United have signed Douglas Buchanan who spent time at Henley Town last season, Marlow has also signed Ryan Davis from Chinnor whilst Mark Avery has moved from Thame United to Chinnor.

Two new signings at Promotion hopefuls Wootton Bassett Town are Dennis King from Highworth Town and Mark Thompson from Cirencester United.

An interesting signing for Milton United is former Bishops Cleeve goalkeeper Jon Skeen to add further competition at "The Heights".

And it was another busy day in the Registration Office on Monday over 200 players being registered for Saturday’s start day.
 
In the Premier Division another former Fairford Town player has moved on, Kevin Coles, former assistant caretaker manager at Fairford Town last season has signed for Highworth Town.
 
Former Slimbridge players signing for Hellenic clubs yesterday were Jody Bevan: to Almondsbury Town, as well as Gary Cornwall and Ashley Thomas signing for Shortwood United.
 
Tom McGuire has moved from Binfield to Bisley Sports and Alex Cairns and Joe Da Silva have moved to Chalfont Wasps from Thame United. Also signing for Wasps is Jonathan Mason who was previously with Marlow United. Leaving Wasps is Scott Shelford who has signed for Holyport.
 
Headington Amateurs have signed several ex - Oxford Quarry Nomads players including Benji & Luke Cuff, Mark Johnson and Gavin Williams. However, Benji Cuff will have a spell out after August as he starts a 63 day suspension on 3rd September for disciplinary issues last season.

The August Bank Holiday weekend sees the 8th Annual Ground Hop staged by the Sport Italia Hellenic League take place. Once again this season’s ‘HOP’ is being staged in conjunction with the Welsh Hop, now in its 6th season. The weekend starts in South Wales on Friday evening 24th August with an evening match on Saturday the ‘HOP’ takes in a further four matches in South Wales.

On Sunday 26th the ‘HOP’ moves into the Hellenic territory with the following matches being staged:

Tytherington Rocks v Winterbourne United 11am.

Shortwood United v Lydney Town 2.30pm

Fairford Town v Highworth Town 6.30pm

Monday 27th August sees the ‘HOP’ move into Berkshire with three matches along the M4 corridor:

Wantage Town v Hungerford Town kicks off at 11am

Henley Town v Marlow United is at 2.30pm

Eton Wick v Binfield kick off is at 6pm   

Full details and booking forms can be obtained from Chris Berezai, ‘HOP Administrator’

45 Walton Street, Long Eaton, Nottingham NG10 1PB e-mail groundhopuk@yahoo.com

Recently appointed Registration Officer Clive Webb has been working away on a daily basis registering players as the forms are received. At this time almost 1200 players have been registered to member clubs.

There has been the usual movement of players as clubs attempt to get a squad together that will improve their standing from last season or find the key player or player’s who will provide the impetus for a top position come the end of season.

Henley Town, after a poor showing last season have Roddy Slater at the helm, he previously operated in a management role with  Peppard and Reading Town and has already signed Jemel Johnson from AFC Wallingford, Steve Morris from Binfield and Guy Walters from Penn & Tylers.

Over at Abingdon Town manager Keith Stopps is looking to improve on last seasons lowly finish that saw the club flirt with relegation. Town have signed Jamie Debanks from Kidlington, Mark Melrose from Witney United as well as goalkeeper Gareth Walker from Milton United and Danny Wise who finished last season at North Leigh

Witney United have undergone major changes with new manager Andy Lyne bringing numerous players that he was associated with last season at Oxford City and Didcot Town.

Last season’s Premier runner-up North Leigh has retained most of last season’s squad and has added extra firepower with the signing of Phil Corcoran who was with Fairford Town, Hungerford Town and latterly with Fairford again for the latter part of last season.    

Ex Fairford Town players Lee Stoddart and Neil Matthews have both dropped down to One WEST football as part of Wootton Bassett Town’s promotion drive.

There have been several club changes from last season Flackwell Heath has re-joined the Hellenic league after some twenty five seasons in the Isthmian League.

Promoted to the Premier Division is Badshot Lea who will be ground sharing at Farnborough FC, Hook Norton move into the Premier Division and are working hard to complete their upgraded facilities within the implementation plan that was agreed by the Management Board prior to the AGM. Lydney Town, champions of One West are also undertaking major ground improvement work, and whilst a little behind schedule, due to the horrendous weather of recent weeks. Both Clubs anticipate completion of works to allow home fixtures from October.

Moving into ONE WEST from the Oxfordshire Senior League is Launton Sports who look forward to the challenge of Hellenic football.

New members of ONE EAST are Ascot United who joins the Hellenic family from the Reading League and are looking to test themselves in the higher level of football.

Welcome to all concerned we hope your tenure in the Hellenic is a happy and rewarding stay.

Ross Town were lost from ONE West after the conclusion of last season and will be playing in Herefordshire football next season.

There has been lots happening since Hungerford Town won the Hellenic Challenge Cup in May and completed a successful season. The promotion of Slimbridge to the BGB Business Southern League went badly wrong with the club resigning from the competition in early July. It is understood that club Chairman John Mack was not prepared to be held to ransom over alleged levels of expenses/payment that players were demanding of the club and preferred the option of a fine imposed by their new competition. Slimbridge will be playing in the leading Division of the Gloucestershire Northern Senior league this season.

Twelve months ago a major innovation introduced during the close season was the facility for clubs to register players on-line via the League Web Site. The on-line facility has been extended to enable clubs to submit their Match Report Form and Report on Referee performance by electronic means. It remains to be seen how much usage is taken up by member clubs after the first weekend’s matches on 11th August.

Tim Harris and ‘Sport Italia’ continue to be the headline sponsor of the Hellenic League. Three cup sponsors are on board with SBJ UK, formerly Linaker – Insurance Brokers, sponsoring the CHALLENGE CUP, the league’s printers HPL (Highworth Press Ltd) continue with their sponsorship of the Floodlit Cup and Soccer Kits Plus are sponsoring the Supplementary Cup. Chairman, Bob Dalling, is once again sponsoring the Reserve Challenge Cup.

The League Web Site has been re-vamped once more to present a more newsy approach with previous month’s news articles readily available for selection. Every MEMBER CLUB continues to have their own web-page however Club Officers need to e-mail news about the club to the LEAGUE OFFICE to ensure the news is posted on the Web Site. So please keep the flow of news and information from the clubs to the League Office. Once again we will be pleased to receive e-mail match reports in the League Office for posting on the Official Hellenic League Web Site. Some editing may be necessary but will be kept to a minimum.

The Sports Turf Research Institute has advised turf professionals and their managers and employers of the potential dangers of dealing with floodwater and/or silt.

Some of you may be aware of Leptospirosis (Weil's disease) but following a recent case associated with the flooding in Sheffield, it is important to remind people of the risks.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection carried in the urine of a number of animals including (among others) pigs, cattle, horses, dogs and rodents. It can be transmitted by swallowing or coming into contact with contaminated water (e.g. during the clean-up) or handling food after coming contact with the bacteria.

There is always a risk of infection when investigating drains, ditches & manholes which may be populated by large numbers of rats - important carriers of the disease.

IMPORTANT: The risk is higher during or following flooding when contaminated water may be dispersed over a wide area and where there is a possibility that populations of rats may be displaced by the flooding - carrying the disease to new areas. Although the disease is not common it is important that everyone is aware and appropriate precautions are taken including the use of protective clothing.
As a minimum, protective gloves and waterproofs should be worn during the clean-up. Face masks may be warranted in some cases.

For further information can be obtained via the following links:
www.leptospirosis.org
www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/leptospirosis_g.htm
www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg84.pdf

With the season kicking off THREE weeks on Saturday, Brian King updates the current registration position.

Just over 200 players have been registered so far by just FIFTEEN Clubs. At this time some of the alleged headline signings have been received and processed by the League Registration Officer, but others are still awaited!
 
With the season kicking off THREE weeks on Saturday, just over 200 players have been registered so far by just FIFTEEN Clubs. At this time some of the alleged headline signings have been received and processed by the League Registration Officer, but others are still awaited!
 
Within this weeks registrations ex- Fairford Town players Lee Stoddart and Neil Matthews have both dropped down to One WEST football as part of Wootton Bassett Town’s promotion drive. Danny Russell who played very few matches in the Hellenic last season has signed for Binfield who seem to have retained the majority of last season’s squad.

Rumours of defections from Highworth Town seem somewhat unfounded with many of last season’s players already registered and with the expectation of others joining soon Highworth Town may be a different option to recent season’s performance.
 
Milton United appear to have retained many of their emerging squad from last season though a Registration for Vinnie Rusher has not been received, as yet. He might possibly still be on holiday spending all his goal scoring bonus payments from last season!

First batch of registrations received from Carterton includes the return of Jamie Butt from Witney United were he made 15 appearances after leaving Carterton in early 2007. James Domm who started last season with Hungerford Town then moved to Wootton Bassett Town has also signed for Carterton. Craig Holman who made Ten appearances for Bishops Cleeve in 2006 and moved to Chipping Norton Town at the start of last season has also signed for Carterton from Witney United were he finished last term. Ryan Pratley who made 34 1st team appearances for Fairford Town is another new signing at Carterton.
   
More information on registrations will follow periodically up to the season’s start. Club Officials should be aware that clubs must have a basic squad of ELEVEN players registered SEVEN Days prior to the season’s start.
 
A little gem to finish, TWO clubs have already asked about certain players and registrations, do I feel a Transfer or Two in the offing at a very early date??

Progress on the making of Hellenic fixtures is at a standstill as required dates for clubs that play in the Southern League has not been provided, at this time, after several requests. It is hoped that the required details will be provided on Tuesday 10th JULY.

Dave Jesson will then be working long days & evenings to complete the Hellenic fixtures for issue, hopefully prior to END JULY. As a starter the fixtures for the period 11to 17th August are in the attached document and will be posted on the LEAGUE WEB SITE early next week.

14th July August fixture details now on Results/Fixtures/Tables section

A new on-line registration system will in place and accessed through this website in the latter part of this month. Do not try and send registration documents prior to 1st July as they will not be ratified until that date. Player registration will no longer be handled from the League Office, Clive Webb has been appointed to look after player registrations full information will be supplied later this month.

If clubs wish to sign a player prior to that date there is no reason why they cannot go through the process of completing the form. However until the registration is ratified from July 1st it will not be a valid and will not be classed as a formal document.