Veteran Premier	Venue		Veteran's One West	Venue		Veteran’s One East	Venue
1		Chinnor	AT FC		Bampton Town	CL FC		Abingdon Town	ATFC
2		Ducklington	WUFC		Brize Norton	WUFC		Goring United	MUFC
3		Kidlington	KFC		Carterton	CFC		Milton United	MUFC
4		Oxford City	OXFC		Chipping Norton	CNFC		OCC Veteran's	AUFC
5		Shrivenham	Sh FC		Old Hooky	CNFC		Stonesfield	AUFC
6		Wantage Town	WTFC		Witney Royals	CL FC		Watlington	ATFC

 

Awards Evening Well Received - 9th June

After an excellent three course meal at the Oxford Centre on Friday 5th June the FTL Futbol Hellenic League presentation commenced. 

Malcolm Alexander, Business Director of ‘Bluefin Insurance Brokers’, formerly SBJ, presented runners-up medals to those clubs present. Comedian Jed Stone from Southport then had attendee’s well relaxed with his unique comedy routine that involved a certain amount of audience participation. 

The second part of the presentation evening saw the various Divisional Winners presented with their Championship Trophies and winners medals before the team and individual awards were presented by guest speaker Don Goodman the former Sunderland and Wolves ‘icon’ who then went on to speak about his life in the professional game and his involvement with media work since his retirement from playing. 

The individual awards were won by:

LEADING LEAGUE GOAL SCORER

Premier Division
A very tight and competitive with four goals separating top three.

1st - Ben Thompson (Witney United) 36 goals in 40 games
2nd - Ian Concannon (Hungerford Town) 35 goals in 40 games
3rd - Ricky Johnson (Hook Norton) 32 goals in 42 games

Divison One East
Jonathan Bennett - Ascot United FC - 33 goals in 24 games

PLAYER OF THE SEASON
Nominated by opponents and reported on club Match Report Form’s

Premier Division
Winner - Jimmy Deabill - Kidlington FC            18
Runner Up - Michael Silvanus - Shrivenham FC 13

Division One East
Winner - John Harding - Penn Tylers Green)         12
Runner Up - Shane Small-King - Kintbury Rangers  10
Equal Third - Jack Smilee - Newbury FC                     9
Richard Carr - Chinnor FC                    9

Division One West
Winner - Richard Claydon - Letcombe             11 (Winner for second season)
Equal Runner Up - Richard Miles - Cirencester Utd   10
Kevin Coles - Malmesbury Victoria     10

FAIR PLAY AWARDS

Premier Division
Winner - Ardley United FC 326 Points (Av 7.76)
Runner Up - Carterton FC 319 Points (Av 7.6)

Division One
Winner - Newbury FC 277 Points (Av 8.14)
Runner Up - Chinnor FC 270 Points (Av 7.94)
Third Place - Letcombe FC 251 Points (Av 7.84)

Club Linesman Award for Season 2008-2009
Gordon Varley Cirencester United FC
Gordon won this award in season2007-2008 with an Average of 83.33 15 Games. This season he won the award with an Average of 83.20 from 15 Games

Looking For An Opportunity - 28th May

Terry Merritt is looking for an opportunity to Manage or Coach at Hellenic League standard.

Starting as a Youth Player at Chelsea in the 70's and signed for Q P R in the early 80's but only got in the reserves. In the mid 80's I went to Woking, and went back in the early nineties, also went to Aldershot when they were in administration. Also had trials with Reading FC and played top level football on Sundays.

In the early nineties returned to Aldershot for trials again and took a management course and UEFA badge, now the equivalent of a level two Coach. I left playing this level of football and took up management at local level but didn't get out of it the same expectations. So I left the game alone.

Moved to the south coast and returned to playing vets football and was asked to coach youth football through the vets so I took level one badge.

Once I started to get back in to the game again and with my experience was invited to help manage clubs with coaching in the Ryman League and Combined Counties.

My wife and I returned to Woking and became involved once again. I stopped early last season to find a new house, but am staying in the London, Surrey Berkshire area. I am hoping to get a start with a new club with enjoyment and show my managerial skills to them and bring good football and hopefully league titles. I believe I have an excellent formula for this if given the chance.

I live in Woking but travel every where for football and other interests so no where is too far. I hope someone in the Hellenic League will be interested. Thanks once again.

Regards Terry Merritt

07899 021576/ 01483 831378

Abingdon Reprieved - 21st May

The ongoing discussions that Chalfont Wasps have been involved with in recent weeks to arrange a second season’s ground share with landlords Chalfont St Peter has floundered as have attempts to instigate a ground share at another club local to Chalfont. Unfortunately costs and availability of a ground with appropriate facilities has caused Secretary Bob Cakebread to advise Hellenic General Manager Brian King that ‘Wasps’ now have no alternative but to suffer demotion back to Step Six for season 2009-2010. Another factor is the lack of progress in developing land adjacent to their Bowstridge Lane ground in Chalfont St Giles.

Club Secretary Bob Cakebread advised; “we held a meeting with the players on Tuesday night, as planned, and explained that we would be returning to Step 6 for the season ahead and the reasons for that. The players were very supportive of our situation and, although we are bound to lose maybe a handful to other clubs, we will still be very much ‘in the mix’ as regards our two senior sides for 2009-2010”.

As a consequence of a return to Division One status Chalfont Wasps take the place of Abingdon Town who will be reprieved and will remain in the Premier Division. In passing on this information to Abingdon Town club Chairman, Tom Larman, he commented; I think I am about to cry again, it happened when it was realised the club would be relegated but this is a breath of fresh air to the club”.

In his conversation with League General Manager Brian King, Larman confirmed; “Now that the club is to remain in the Premier Division I am able to confirm the new management team will be led by Mark O’Hara with Dean Moss as assistant. Mark believes he can bring the right calibre of player to the club who want to play and enjoy their football in the Hellenic Premier Division”.

Brian King added; “there are still other issues to be resolved in formulating the final constitution of divisions for season 2009-2010 and may be a week or two away from being concluded”.

League Constitution - 15th May

The Constitution of the Divisions for next season was placed before the League Board on Monday last and was agreed in principle, subject to possible relegation of a club from Step Four and various other issues that may become apparent within the next ten days or so. Therefore further changes may occur as details are resolved.

Pewsey Vale has returned to the Wiltshire League.

The Constitution of the Reserve Division’s will not be known until member clubs have submitted their affiliation ‘FORM D’ to the League Office.

As further information is received regarding member clubs such detail will be posted onto this web site.

CONSTITUTION OF LEAGUE – Season 2009-2010

Subject to possible change as indicated above

	Premier Division	FL’	Division 1 West	FL’	Division 1 East	FL’
1	Almondsbury Tn	Yes	Abingdon Town R	Yes	Bisley Sports
2	Ardley United	Yes	Bicester Town R	Yes	Chinnor
3	Ascot United P	Yes	Cheltenham Sar’s	Yes	Didcot Town Res P	Yes
4	Binfield P	Yes	Cirencester Utd		Englefield Green Rov’s	Yes
5	Carterton	Yes	Clanfield	Yes	Eton Wick
6	Chalfont Wasps	Yes	Cricklade Town		Finchampstead
7	Fairford Town	Yes	Easington Sports		Henley Town	Yes
8	Flackwell Heath	Yes	Hardwicke AFC		Holyport	Yes
9	Highworth Town	Yes	Harrow Hill FC R	Yes	Kintbury Rangers
10	Hook Norton	Yes	Headington Amateurs		Milton United R	Yes
11	Kidlington	Yes	Launton Sports		Newbury	Yes
12	Malmesbury Vic’s P	Yes	Letcombe		Penn & Tylers Green
13	Marlow United	Yes	Lydney Town	Yes	Prestwood
14	Old Woodstock Town	Yes	North Leigh Res P	Yes	Rayners Lane
15	Oxford City Nom’s P	Yes	Purton		South Kilburn
16	Pegasus Juniors	Yes	Slimbridge P	Yes	Thame United	Yes
17	Reading Town	Yes	Trowbridge Town		Wokingham & Emmb’
18	Shortwood Utd	Yes	Tytherington Rocks		Woodley Town P
19	Shrivenham	Yes	Winterbourne United
20	Wantage Town	Yes	Wootton Bass’ Tn	Yes
21	Witney United	Yes
22	Possible Level 4 Relegation	Yes
	FL’ Floodlights P Promoted R Relegated

New Clubs Next Season - 30th April

Brian King confirms that two clubs have applied to join the Hellenic League next season.

Woodley Town FC were crowned Reading Senior Division Champions on Saturday 25th April defeating Reading YMCA 3-1. Woodley Secretary John Mailer has confirmed the club will be able to meet all the required items contained in the Ground Inspection Report to compete in the Hellenic League next season. The club will be formally welcomed at the League AGM in June.

In the Glos County League Slimbridge opened up a nine point gap from Kings Stanley & Ellwood last Saturday but a midweek win by Kings Stanley saw the gap reduced to six points, though Slimbridge have a match in hand and need just a point to become Champions and be eligible to re-join the Hellenic League.

Applications for consideration for promotion were not received from clubs competing in the Wilts County, Oxfordshire Senior and North Berks League.

Steady Peter Gets There - 27th April

Peter Cobby duly completed the London Marathon on 26th April, one of about 35000 runners. To be part of such a huge event is amazing and the day was truly fantastic.

Peter completed the 26 miles, 385 yards in 5 hours 17 minutes and 38 seconds, roughly equivalent to the playing time of three and a half football matches, all without a half-time break and several days between games! As he promised he was not quick but was slightly disappointed that he did not break 5 hours. Maybe he'll have to do it again sometime.

If anyone wishes to contribute to his charitable fund raising, the account will stay open for a little while and Peter will gratefully accept cash or cheque (made out to Peter Cobby). He is raising funds for the Arthritic Association and the Atrial Fibrillation Association.

Hellenic League Referees Promoted - 19th April

The Football Association last week announced the list of 73 promotion’s to Level Three for season 2009-2010.

Congratulations to Daniel Tomkins, who will referee the SBJ Challenge Cup Final, Chris Wicks the referee of the Floodlit Cup Final and also to Gary Connolly, all three will be operating at Southern & Isthmian League level next season and join an ever growing list of promoted Match Officials from the Hellenic League.

Although this promotion means a loss from our panel of referees next season we wish them every success at the next level as all three have earned the opportunity to test their ability at a higher level, and they leave with the best wishes and congratulations of the league.

Reserve Team Football - 22nd March

Reserve teams and squad players need regular football. Providing this has been a challenge for as long as I can remember. We are proposing to tackle this over the next few weeks for next season.

So whatever thoughts that you have, no matter how radical, please email them to Brian before the morning of Wednesday 25th March.

It would be great to have your views. There is no penalty for supplying more than one suggestion. Please be thoughtful. As a starting point I ask you to consider the purpose of Reserve Team football, and what do you as a club seek to gain? 

If you would title the e-mail ‘Reserve Team Football’ then it might help our Office.

 Regards – Bob Dalling

Registrations & Transfers - 22nd March

Clubs are advised that closure for Player Registrations, Transfers & Loans closes at 5PM on TUESDAY 31st MARCH. Player Registration or Transfer after 31st March will require Board approval and extenuating circumstances will be required for consideration.

Cobby’s Marathon Appeal - 18th March

Peter Cobby, a mere sixty one (61) years young and a long-time member of the FTL Futbol Hellenic League Match Official’s List is intending to run the Flora London Marathon on 26th April this year.

Some of you will be aware that Peter recently had a heart operation to treat Arrhythmia, otherwise known as Atrial Fibrillation.

This was carried out in the John Radcliffe Hospital in December and Peter has been helped a lot by the Arrhythmia Nurses and the Arrhythmia Alliance, an organisation that seeks to make people aware of the heart problem.

Prior to this operation Peter would not have considered trying the Marathon as the condition meant that he could not sustain hard exercise for a sustained period.

On Sunday 15th March Peter completed a tough Half-Marathon in the Forest of Dean and is now intent on going for the big one.

Peter is seeking sponsorship for the Marathon and would love to hear from anyone who can spare a few pence or, better, a few pounds. The cash raised will be split between the Arrhythmia Alliance and the Arthritic Association who have been helpful to Heather, Peter’s better half!

If you would be able to pledge some funds, please contact Peter on 01452 830331 or send him an email to petercobby1@btinternet.com. He will not be quick, unlike his performance on the football pitch, but is determined to start and finish on the same day, hopefully around 5 hours!

Peter looks forward to receiving your pledge and thanks you in advance for your generosity. Might this be an ideal opportunity for member clubs to organise a match day bucket collection and forward the sum collected to Peter!

Cup Semi-Final’s Draw - 17th March

The draws for the semi final of the Challenge and Reserve Challenge Cup were made in the League Office this morning and the ties listed below were drawn. Dates for the ties will be advised soonest.

SBJ Insurance Brokers Challenge Cup Semi Final

Carterton	v	*Shortwood Utd or Chalfont Wasps
Old Woodstock Town	v	Almondsbury Town

Chairman’s Reserve Challenge Cup Semi Final

*Henley Town or Kintbury Rangers	v	Newbury
North Leigh	v	*Wantage Town or Highworth Town

Challenge Cup Semi Final Ties - 15th March

Following an e-mail exchange with clubs still involved in League Cup Competitions the Semi Final Ties of the League Challenge and Reserve Challenge Cup, as well as, the Floodlit Cup will be played on a SINGLE LEG basis on the ground of the first Drawn Club. This will also apply to the Final of the Floodlit Cup

Premier Division Ground Grading Status - 14th March

Detailed below is the decision made by the FA League's Committee in late February which has been forwarded to all Hellenic League Secretary's. The details have found there way onto the 'Unofficial Hellenic League Chat Board. To ensure readers of the 'OFFICIAL HL WEB SITE' are aware of that which is now in the 'Public Domain' the FA LC Decision is included below.

To update readers with the actual and correct position regarding clubs that have attained status the following is correct as at today's date;

Clubs with an 'F GRADE' or higher = 12 (TWELVE) Clubs
Clubs anticipating completing work by 31st March = 4 (FOUR) Clubs
Clubs that have failed to advise on completion dates = 6 (SIX) Clubs

A schedule of inspections is being formulated and will be undertaken prior to end MARCH when a report is required to be submitted to the FA Technical Panel regarding the position with the TEN Clubs..

THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

LEAGUES COMMITTEE – MARCH 2009

DECISION ON STEP 5 GRADING ISSUES

At a meeting of the Leagues Committee held on Thursday 5 March the following decisions with regard to the Step 5 ground grading process was agreed.

The Ground Grading Technical Panel will submit to Leagues Committee a detailed list of Step 5 clubs that have failed to meet the F Grade requirements by 31 March 2009. This report to be made available by 10 April 2009.

• Any club that fails to meet the F Grade to be advised that they will be classed as being one of the “relegated clubs” at the end of the current playing season.
• Should there be more clubs in a particular competition that fail to meet the F Grade than there are relegation places then the aforementioned clubs be ranked in accordance to their final league positions and relegation applied accordingly. Clubs that are retained without the F Grade will continue to be classed as relegated clubs and will be dealt with accordingly the following year should they again fail to meet the requirements of the F Grade.
• Clubs relegated will be replaced by clubs in Step 6 that fully comply with the current requirements of the G Grade and can prove that they will be able to meet the F Grade by 31 March in the year following promotion and qualify for promotion by virtue of their final league position. The lateral movement of clubs at Step 5 will also be taken into account at this point.
• Should there be sufficient clubs at Step 6 that meet the G Grade requirements then they be promoted to replace the clubs that fail to meet the F Grade.
• In the case of a Step 5 competition that does not have relegation to a Step 6 competition clubs that fail to meet the requirements of the F Grade will be classed as one of the “relegated clubs” and dealt with accordingly.
• In the case of a Step 5 competition that has a number of its member clubs fail to meet the F Grade requirements, then the Leagues Committee will meet with that competition to discuss their situation after which a decision will made upon the status of that competition.
• Individual clubs seeking dispensation will be dealt with on their individual merits.

Player Registrations

Numbers updated to 3pm on Friday 20th February. Breakdown by division is shown below:

Weekend Outlook - 13th February

Whilst the weather has improved in some locations of the Hellenic area there are still places were the thaw has not resolved things.

Hook Norton's pitch was still covered by THREE inches of snow at Friday lunch time, see image, and will most certainly be postponed. Additionally, the exterior spectator hard standing areas are also covered in snow, as are the front edges of the stands for both seated and standing spectators.

Whilst the snow is definitely beginning to thaw and reduce in quantity, I have not the slightest doubt that some will still be remaining tomorrow, both on the pitch itself and on the surrounding areas which are used by spectators. This is almost certainly likely to be the case if we receive a further frost, as is predicted in the regional forecast. Even if the snow were to disappear faster than anticipated a slushy mess will be left behind which would render any match played on it to develop into a farce. Before that could happen, the club would, of course, have to identify the pitch and then remark it, if conditions would allow.

Other matches already called off, Abingdon Town, River Thames has extended itself onto part of the pitch. Oxford City Nomads pitch still holding some snow and waterlogged in other area's. Trowbridge Town pitch waterlogged and car park flooded.

Shortwood United's SNOWKEEPER is looking a little stunted but area's of the pitch still have a THREE inch snow covering whilst at Cirencester United the snow has disappeared but numerous pools of water are present on the pitch which is also without markings. Hopefully it will get better!

Match Postponements as they become known will be posted, access updates from the link on the site main page.

Brian King 13th February

Supplementary Challenge Cup - 8th February

With all ties in the 1st Round of the Supplementary Challenge Cup being postponed this weekend the Competitions Committee has agreed to postpone the competition for the current season.

Division One Teams Seeking Premier Division Promotion - 1st February

Clubs that are looking to gain promotion to the Premier Division at the end of the current season are reminded that the FA has relaxed the requirements to some extent, in that clubs will have a further season after gaining promotion, to attain the full grade F, deadline i.e. by 31 March 2010.

HOWEVER, clubs are unlikely to be able to go up unless, by 31 March 2009, they have all the requirements of the present grade for their level of football, Grade G. The requirements for Grade G have still to be totally finalised by the FA, so for the time being the Hellenic League has to rely upon the current version as outlined in the Competition Regulation & Directives for Clubs and Match Officials handbook – pages 19 to 24.

This is not new information but with time running out, it is timely to remind clubs of the situation. Two clubs have already indicated a wish to be considered for promotion should they attain a promotion position, however, there are more who could be considered. An early indication to the League Office from clubs who wish to be considered for promotion would be appreciated.

Player Transfers Week Ending 10th January

		Club Transferred From	Club Transferred To	Date of Transfer
Sam	Oliveira	Launton Sports	Ardley United	2-Jan
Alex	Williams	Thame United	Kidlington	6-Jan
Javies	Catlyn	Newbury	Henley Town	6-Jan
Paul	Davis	Ardley United	Witney United	7-Jan
Nick	McCrae	Highworth Town	Hungerford Town	9-Jan
Adam	Daley	Hook Norton	Easington Sports	9-Jan
James	Hicks	Wantage Town	Abingdon Town	9-Jan
James	Flint	Marlow United	Flackwell Heath	9-Jan
Samuel	Mepham	Wootton Bassett Town	Pewsey Vale	9-Jan
Craig	Morrison	Wootton Bassett Town	Pewsey Vale	9-Jan
Richard	O'Halloran	Wootton Bassett Town	Pewsey Vale	9-Jan
Joseph	Mullins	Winterbourne United	Tytherington Rocks	9-Jan
Martin	Stratford	Shrivenham	Fairford Town	9-Jan
Peter	Thompson	Clanfield	Cricklade Town	9-Jan
Darren	Lucas	Fairford Town	Cirencester United	9-Jan

Player Registrations -6th January

Player Registrations from season start to start of New Year. Numbers updated to 3pm on Friday 2nd January 2009. The breakdown by division is as shown below:

Totals	Registered	Transferred
Premier	1149	118
One West	897	46
One East	1000	46
Reserve	102	6
Veterans	450	2
Total	3598	218

		Transferred From	Transferred To	Date of Transfer
Jamie	Newport	Newbury	Milton United	31-Dec
Karl	Robinson	Chalfont Wasps	Penn & Tylers Gr	31-Dec
Scott	Dewar	Henley Town	Milton United	31-Dec
Elliott	Jackson	Cricklade Town	Malmesbury Vic's	1-Jan

Leading Goal Scorers to 31/12/08
Current Club	Player	Games	Goals
Premier Division
Hungerford Town	Ian Concannon	22	24
Reading Town	Graham Lewis	21	19
Hook Norton	Ricky Johnson	21	18
Witney United	Ben Thompson	20	16
Witney United	Gary Wickens	21	16
Division One (West)
Letcombe	Richard Claydon	18	26
Winterbourne Utd	James Potts	21	20
Hardwicke AFC	Steve Jackson	15	14
Purton	Warren Fuller	16	18
Wootton Bassett Town	Shaun Terry	10	13
Division One (East)
Ascot United	Jon Bennett	15	24
South Kilburn	Simeon Fearon	12	12
Wokingham & Emm’	James Wise	15	12
Chinnor	Adam Stallwood	15	10
Holyport	Chris Woods	9	9

Highest Average Attendances to 31/12/08
Team	Lowest	Highest	Avg
Premier Division
Witney United	102	168	131
Highworth Town	45	385	121
Shrivenham	39	387	99
Kidlington	62	217	97
Hungerford Town	64	125	86
One West
Trowbridge Town	88	290	130
Purton	40	102	75
Winterbourne United	48	125	97
Lydney Town	64	125	86
One East
Binfield	35	272	93
Wokingham & Emm'	68	136	91
Kintbury Rangers	42	243	86
Newbury	54	246	85

Player Registrations

Player Transfers - 24th November

A sudden rush of transfers this past week with nineteen player’s moving clubs.

		Moved From	Moved To
Rob	Cruse	Cheltenham Saracens	Almondsbury
Daniel	Foster	Henley Town	Finchampstead
Richard	Williams	Binfield	Finchampstead
Carl	Reeves	Marlow United	Holyport
Tim	Yemm	Harrow Hill	Lydney Town
Matthew	Gregor	Launton Sports	Milton United
Robert	McLay	Hungerford Town	Newbury
Steven	Nott-Macaire	Chalfont Wasps	Chinnor
Trannell	Richardson	Kintbury Rangers	Milton United
Nick	Jones	Harrow Hill	Milton United
Alex	Welsh	Witney United	Bicester Town
Adam	Davis	Chalfont Wasps	Flackwell Heath
Benjamin	Chadbone	Chalfont Wasps	Flackwell Heath
Shaun	Thorp	Newbury	Kintbury Rangers
Austin	Best	Henley Town	Kintbury Rangers
Jamie	Thomas	Henley Town	Kintbury Rangers
James	Hastie	Hook Norton	Easington Sports
Mark	Threlfall	North Leigh	Carterton
Liam	Ilsley	Witney United	Wantage Town

Player Transfers - 16th November

Player movements down in the past week, bringing the total number of moves so far this season to a total of 138.

		Moved From	Moved To
Rhys	Denton	Kidlington	Old Woodstock Tn
Adam	French	Bicester Town	Letcombe
Alex	Feaver	Easington Sports	Hook Norton
Terry	Muckleberg	Hook Norton	Bicester Town
Jonathan	Da Silva	Kintbury Rangers	Milton United
Harry	Swabey	Finchampstead	Binfield
Justice	Muze	De-registered	Didcot Town

Player Transfers - 9th November

More transfers were sanctioned in the past two weeks bringing the total number of moves so far this season to a total of 131, including a number of Short Term Loan Transfers between clubs. The short term loan of Andy Styles from Witney United to Milton United has been extended by another 28 days and is approaching the maximum 93 days allowed for such transactions.

Interestingly both Lee Moseley and Jez Hobbs have returned to Witney United after a short spell at Clanfield!

More players registered in the past week take the total up to 3173 with the Premier topping 1000.

Player Transfers -26th October

More transfers were sanctioned in the past week bringing the total number of moves so far this season to a total in excess of 100. The short term loan of Liam Illsley from Witney United to Wantage Town has been extended by another 28 days and is approaching the maximum 93 days allowed for such transactions.

		Moved From	Moved To
Matthew	Collis	Marlow United	Holyport
Stuart	Cattell	Witney United	Kidlington
Scott	Green	Shortwood Utd	Harrow Hill
James	Hambidge	Wootton Bassett	Malmesbury Vic's
Taylor	Gill	Fairford Town	Shrivenham
Matt	Brion	Chinnor	Penn & Tylers G
Paul	Massaquoi	Bisley Sports	Henley Town
Tom	Hemmings	Didcot Town	Bicester Town
Joe	Macklin	Hungerford Town	Lydney Town
Kieran	Davis	Milton United	Clanfield
Jamie	Bewick	Oxford City Nom	Milton United

Veteran's League Cup - 26th October

Four groups with top two in each going through to KO stage. Each club will play each club once in the Group Stage. Usual Competition Rules apply

Group A	Group B	Group C	Group D
Ducklington	Carterton	Chinnor	Bampton
Moreton Rangers	Milton Utd	Chippy Old Boys	Goring
Stonesfield	OCC	Kidlington	Wantage Town
Witney Royals	Oxford City	Old Hooky	Wychwood
	Shrivenham

Players registered in the past week take the total the total up to 3173 with the Premier topping 1000.

		Moved From	Moved To
Nick	Jones	Shortwood Utd	Harrow Hill
Kylo	Atkinson	Wokingham & E'	Henley Town
Jamie	McGahey	Cricklade Town	Highworth Tn
Tom	Foley	Hook Norton	Easington Spt
Alex	Williams	Oxford City Nom	Thame Utd
David	Glover	Shrivenham	Swindon S'mar
Tom	Matthews	Thame United	Launton Spt’s
John	Stott	Wantage Town	Milton Utd
John	Steadman	Witney United	Milton Utd (STL)

Players registered in the past week take the total from 3041 to 3095. The breakdown by division is listed below:

	Registered	Transfer
Premier	982	53
One West	759	20
One East	871	09
Reserve	89	01
Veteran’s	394	01
Total	3095	84

Another eight transfers were sanctioned in the past week bringing the total number of moves so far this season to sixty six.

FA Vase Second Round Draw - 6th October

Two Division One West sides enter the Second Round proper and Division One East Binfield have another chance to progress when they meet Fareham in the replay tomorrow night.

Clanfield have drawn Chalfont St Peter away from home and Wootton Bassett will be travelling to the Bournemouth area to meet Wimborne Town.

If Binfield overcome Fareham Town in tomorrow nights replay the Moles will have a reasonably short trip to Frimley Green.

Witney United travel to Sandhurst Town, and Hook Norton, Shrivenham and Almondsbury all have home ties. Though the Almonds will be facing their old rivals Hungerford Town in an all Hellenic League fixture.

The fixtures will take place on Saturday November 15th.

Player Registrations & Transfers - 5th October

More players registered in the past week take the total from 2976 to 3041. The breakdown by division is listed below:

	Registered	Transfer
Premier	961	51
One West	747	19
One East	850	06
Reserve	89	01
Veteran’s	394	01
Total	3041	78

Another eight transfers were sanctioned in the past week bringing the total number of moves so far this season to sixty six.

Group A	Group B	Group C	Group D
Ardley United	Chinnor	Chalfont Wasps	Clanfield
Ascot United	Cirencester United	Holyport	Hook Norton
Easington Sports	Cricklade Town	Letcombe	Kintbury Rangers
Old Woodstock Town	Thame United	Newbury	Launton Sports
Prestwood	Witney United	Rayners Lane	Penn & Tylers Green
			Shrivenham

The Grand Old Men Of Refereeing - 30th September

We are in an era when age does not debar an individual from involvement in sport. The question asked here is can any team of match official’s match or beat this statistic?

At the FTL Futbol Hellenic League One West match between Pewsey Vale and Tytherington Rocks played on Saturday 20th September 2008, the combined ages of the three officials totalled 194 years and 7 months. The youngster was match referee Peter Cobby, a mere 61 Years and 0 months of age. Peter was assisted by two stalwarts of the game, Colin Gould who contributed 66 years and 2 months to the age tally whilst Ernie Jones topped the lot with 67 years and 5 months.

Ernie refereed the game Cricklade Town v Wootton Bassett One West match the previous Saturday as a late stand in when the appointed referee was unable to turn out for the match due to a misunderstanding. It was great to see them taking part and referee using their renowned experience. None of them were left behind when it came to moving with the play.

The effort and commitment put by these three are an example of ‘Service before Self’ and says volumes for their enthusiasm and fitness. Added to the physical commitment Peter Cobby is also a Football Association registered Referee Assessor who operates on the Hellenic League when not officiating, which is not very often.

Can any other team of three top the total of 194 years and about 7 months or how close can you get?

Player Registrations & Transfers - 21st September

Another 407 players registered in the past week as the Veteran’s Section increases momentum with over 160 more players registered.  The breakdown by division is listed below:

	Registered	Transfered
Premier	918	35
One West	697	15
One East	824	6
Reserve	88	1
Veteran’s	362	1
Totals	2889	58

Another six transfers were sanctioned in the past week with Hungerford Town signing a new goalkeeper in Danny Holdcroft from Almondsbury Town and Joe Da-Silva has returned to Chalfont Wasps after an unsuccessful spell at Flackwell Heath. Danny Clarke has left Kidlington and signed for Ardley United, Kidlington have also lost Jimmy Deabill to Abingdon United but retain his Hellenic registration.

F’Name	Surname	Trans’ From	Trans’ To
Joe	Da-Silva	Flackwell Heath	Chalfont Wasps
Mark	Bartley	Reading Town	Henley Town
Daniel	Holdcroft	Almondsbury Tn	Hungerford Tn
Jack	Dodd	Wootton Bassett T	Shrivenham
Danny	Clarke	Kidlington	Ardley United
Aaron	Posey	Oxford City Nom’s	Old Woodstock T

Another 165 players registered in the past week as the Reserve Section increases momentum this weekend. The breakdown by division is listed below:

Total’s Registered Transferred

Premier   865              23
One West   680             09
One East     786              04
Reserve        72               01
Total            2403           37

Sanctioned Transfers this week, thirteen in all increase the number of player’s that have moved clubs to 37. The list of this weeks moves are listed below & include a couple of 28 day loans.

F’name	Surname	Club Transferred From	Club Transferred To
Richard	Guy	Hungerford Tn	Kintbury Rang’
Benjamin	Dunk	Kintbury Rang’	Ascot United
Ian	Smith	Milton United	Abingdon Tn
Richard	Saunders	Shrivenham	Hungerford Tn
Liam	Garrett	Hook Norton	Easington Sp
Scott	Green	Hardwicke	Shortwood Utd
Paul	Thompson	Hungerford Tn	Fairford Town
Chris	Copp	Wantage Tn	Hungerford Tn
Liam	Illsley	Witney Utd	Wantage Tn (S Loan)
Matthew	Ansell	Thame Utd	Chinnor
Andrew	Styles	Witney Utd	Milton Utd (S Loan)
Michael	Davies	Henley Tn	Kintbury Rang
Tony	Njogu	Abingdon Tn	Oxford City Nom

Player Registrations & Transfers - 1st September

With just twelve Clubs not increasing their number of registered players, another 208 players have been registered during the past week. And a further eight player transfers have been processed.

Registered Players: Premier 795  One West 652 One East 724 Reserve 67  Total 2238 

Transfers since the start of the season as as below

F’name	Surname	Club Transferred From	Club Transferred To
John	Aitkenhead	Wootton Bass’  T	Shrivenham
Sam	Mepham	Wootton Bass’ T	Cirencester United
Daniel	Barnes	Milton United	Trowbridge Tn
Luke	Alford	Wantage Town	Shrivenham
Carl	Heritage	Clanfield	Cirencester United
Lee	McMullen	Wootton Bass’ T	Highworth Town
Darren	Quegan	Milton United	Oxford City Nomads
Ross	Peart	Highworth Town	Swindon S'marine
James	Townsend	Wootton Bassett	Purton
Chris	Tullett	Chalfont Wasps	Newbury
Alex	Cairns	Chalfont Wasps	Holyport
Mark	Appleby	Ascot United	Eton Wick
Matt	Dixon	Ardley United	Hook Norton
Joe	Da-Silva	Chalfont Wasps	Flackwell Heath
Tom	Smith	Ardley United	Abingdon Town
Matt	Brion	Chalfont Wasps	Chinnor
Jason	Weston	Chalfont Wasps	Penn & Tylers
Warren	Fuller	Wootton Bass' T	Purton

Player Accident Insurance is Needed! - 7th August

Many County Football Associations and Football League clients promote SBJ Insurance Broker’s Players Personal Accident Insurance, either mandatory or voluntarily, and while many clubs are convinced of the benefits of having this cover, there is always the doubters amongst the numbers.

The FTL Futbol Hellenic League Office received information on Wednesday that an injured player playing in a match affiliated under the administration of the FA of Wales has received over £20,000 in compensation in respect of the loss of sight following a fractured eye socket injury suffered in an accidental collision during a game. While not good news this does highlight the benefits of players having the protection of this cover."

FA Launch Respect Program - 6th August

The Football Association is to implement a new initiative aimed at improving the behaviour of players and coaches. The Respect program will be launched across all levels of the game and the FA has set out guidelines in an attempt to stamp out some of the unsavoury scenes that have become more commonplace in recent seasons.

Players will be asked to adhere to basic codes of conduct and the team captain may be involved, at the discretion of Match Referee’s, in control of players. Referees have been told to deal firmly with any show of dissent, while measures have also been taken to stop spectators impeding other officials.

Respect will be applied by the FA in partnership with the Premier League, Football League, PFA, LMA and PGMO (referees body) at professional game level, down to Step 5 & 6 Leagues such as the FTL FUTBOL Hellenic League and County FA’s dealing with grassroots leagues.

The Four Steps
The programme is championing four practical steps which League’s will be invited to sign up to:
1. Codes of Conduct for players, referees, coaches and spectators. The codes of conduct set down basic principles which everyone must accept and adhere to, with related actions for repeated breaches.

2. Designated Spectator's Area demarcated by touchline barriers, keeping spectators about two metres back from the pitch. This allows the assistant referees to perform their function unimpeded, and in the pilot scheme has demonstrated a marked restraining effect on spectator behaviour. Spectators will be on the opposite touchline to the coaches.

3. Captain taking responsibility.
While the captain does not have any special privileges under the Laws of the Game, captains will be expected to take on more responsibility for the conduct of their team. The captain will act as the main contact point for the referee, and will be called over to an incident involving a team-mate even if he/she is some distance away.

4. Referee managing the game.
Referees have been instructed to work with captains to manage the players and the game effectively. They have also been reminded of their responsibility to control the game by applying the Laws of the Game and dealing firmly with any open show of dissent by players. The instruction to referees is to stay and deal with dissent rather than moving away.

Respect Toolkit
Leagues are encouraged to opt into the programme by adopting the "Respect toolkit" provided by The FA.

This includes:

• Guidance notes on the operation of the Respect steps, with versions tailored specifically to clubs, leagues, and referees.
• Order forms for obtaining touchline barriers at a specially negotiated rate.
• Codes of conduct
• Captain's guidance leaflets and Respect armbands

Community Shield
The program will be launched at this Sunday's Community Shield between Manchester United and Portsmouth and a number of steps have been agreed with the sides:

• Referee managing the game (applying the Laws of the Game)
• Captain taking responsibility
• Pre-match briefing meeting with referee and managers/captain
• Team handshake before kick-off
• Improved behaviour in the technical area

Both teams and the referees will wear Respect T-shirts during the warm-up and the match shirts will feature Respect on the sleeve badges.

FA chief executive Brian Barwick said: "The Respect programme is a top priority for The FA and for the game as a whole. We are trying to change a climate within the game and that takes time, but I am confident that this joint commitment will make a real difference. The promotional film will really help raise awareness of this important issue - it needs everyone to look at their own behaviour."

AGM 2008 - 20th June

Chairman Bob Dalling opened the meeting welcoming all present and especially congratulated those clubs that had been fortunate to become Divisional Champions. He especially congratulate North Leigh FC on promotion to the BGB Southern League. He also extended a warm welcome to the new clubs joining the league.

The Constitution of Clubs for season 2008-2009 was decided by member clubs at Wednesday's AGM.
Two Recommendations were placed before the Member Clubs and following much discussion Launton Sports were moved from WEST to EAST with all other clubs retaining a place in accordance with Recommendation No 01.

New clubs for season 2008-2009 in Premier Division are:
Chalfont Wasps - Champions of Div ONE EAST
Marlow United - 2nd in ONE EAST
Old Woodstock Tn - 2nd in ONE WEST
Reading Town - Transfer from Combined Counties League

New clubs for season 2008-2009 in ONE WEST are:
Hardwicke AFC - Champions of Glos' County League
Lydney Town - From Premier Division

New clubs for season 2008-2009 in ONE EAST are:
Launton Sports - Transferred from One WEST
Newbury FC - 2nd in Reading League
South Kilburn - 2nd in Middlesex County League

Details of the new sponsorship package with FTL FUTBOL was distributed to member clubs present, the main elements are:
Match & Training Ball package to each member club.
Premier Division clubs also receive THREE Bench Jackets
All clubs will be able to purchase heavily discounted Bench Jackets and other items of Team Wear clothing directly from the sponsor
An 'on-line' facility will be added to the League Web Site were Hellenic supporters will be able to purchase FTL FUTBOL Team Wear.

The sponsorship distribution fund will be decided in July and clubs will be advised of the potential amount available for distribution at the pre-season meeting on THURSDAY 31st JULY - venue TO BE DECIDED. The fund in 2007-2008 was £20,000

The FTL FUTBOL Hellenic League is to invoke a Web Site facility for Program Editors to download Club Details, Pen Pics etc to enable a more responsive program production for member clubs.

There were some increases agreed in Match Official's fees for season 2008-2009 and Club Affiliation fee's for season 2009-2010.

Pegasus Junior's proposed a 'Vote of thanks' to all retiring Officers who were then re-elected for season 2008-2009.

The meeting was closed within ONE HOUR.

Badshot Lea, who have been transferred to the Combined Counties League made a small presentation to General Manager Brian King and Admin Secretary Angela King for all their help and assistance whilst the club have been members of the Hellenic League.

Oxfordshire FA seeking Under 18's County Youth Manager - 18th June

Oxfordshire Football Association require a Manager for the County Under 18's. The Under 18's Representative Team play in the South West Counties

Youth Football Championship and also the FA County Youth Cup with matches played on Saturday's, though the occassional match is played Midweek. There is a total of about 12 matches per season.

The successful applicant will have coaching and inter-personal skills along with a good knowledge of the local Youth football scene within the County.

Letters of application to County Youth Officer, Dave Tutton, 24 Forest Road, Headington, OXFORD OX3 8LF. Or call for further information on 01865 768412 by Friday 4th July 2008.

From Sport To Futbol in Seven Days - 15th June

Hellenic League General Manager Brian King and his wife visited the 'Grass Roots' show at the NEC on Friday 30th May and heard whispers from several people regarding then sponsors Sport Italia.

By Tuesday of the following week the whispers had increased and a statement from a Director of Sport Italia stated 'Sport Italia would not be able to fulfil it's agreed obligations to the Hellenic League and possibly other league's for season 2008-2009. A meeting had been diaried for some two weeks with one of the League's CUP Sponsors and that meeting on Tuesday 3rd June was turned literally on it's head, to discuss the 'Headline Sponsorship' of the League. After 72 hours of discussion and many phonecalls a draft sponsorship contract was e-mailed to the League Office by midday Friday 6th June the day of the League Presentation Evening.

After discussion with Board Members and with a few slight adjustments the contract was agreed and signed at 5pm on Friday forming the partnership of FTL FUTBOL and the Hellenic League. FTL Futbol is the brand name of the import & distribution company with Soccerkitsplus.com being the retail arm of this young and vibrant company. The partnership will allow FTL FUTBOL Hellenic League clubs to purchase kits and other football related items as well as training kit, benchwear and teamwear clothing as specially discounted prices. Discussions are still ongoing regarding some other aspects as 'add - on's' that could see clubs wearling FTL Futbol kit with the Hellenic League 'logo; embroidered on the sleeve as well as an on-line shop running via the League web-site for purchase of FTL FUTBOL HELLENIC LEAGUE sportswear. More to follow on this aspect.

FTL FUTBOL Hellenic League clubs will continue to be supplied with heavily discounted Match and Training Balls as part of the sponsorship package with Premier Division clubs also receiving three Bench Jackets, with others available at discounted prices. From a position early last week the recovery process moved so quickly that BOB Dalling, Chairman of the newly named FTL FUTBOL Hellenic League was able to make the sponsorship announcement at the League Dinner & Presentation Evening on 6th JUNE. Brian King and wife Angela went away for a few days rest and recuperation after a hectic week. Who said everything to do with football finishes in May, Get Real.

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