Category: League News

Donna Artis with her mum Barbara

Mindful Miles for Alzheimer’s Society

Two years ago, Donna, our website administrator, lost her mum to Alzheimer’s. Since then, she has been dedicated to raising awareness and funds for the cause through events like Cupcake Day and Memory Walks. This year, she’s taking on an even greater challenge: the Trek26, organised by the Alzheimer’s Society. Donna will be walking 13 miles across tough terrain with a total elevation gain of 559m (1,833ft) along the Ullswater Way path.

Though she’s never done anything like this before—aside from a spontaneous mountain climb during her holiday in Santorini last year—Donna is determined to make a difference.

She would be incredibly grateful for your support. Any contribution, no matter how small, will help her reach her goal and make a meaningful impact. Thank you for your generosity.

Ellis Folkard (2000 – 2025)

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ellis Folkard from Shevington FC at the age of 24. Ellis joined Shevington at the beginning of the 2024/25 season and quickly became a valued member of the team. His dedication and passion for the game were evident in every match he played, and he will be greatly missed by his teammates, coaches, and all who knew him.

During his time at Shevington, Ellis featured in 7 matches, starting 3 of them, and proudly scored 1 goal. While his time with the club was tragically short, his impact both on and off the pitch will not be forgotten. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to Ellis’s family, friends, and everyone at Shevington FC during this incredibly difficult time.

Rest in peace, Ellis.

Peter Hargreaves (1986 – 2024)

It is with great sadness that the League has been notified by Ribchester Rovers FC of the passing of club legend Peter Hargreaves aged just 38.

He was and always will be a key player in the club and represented them as a regular attender at the League Meetings. Peter undertook many of the essential jobs behind the scenes spending hours of his free time providing for others to make sure the club could function. This is work which many volunteers across all our clubs undertake to ensure that grassroots football continues to thrive and Peter’s commitment to Ribchester is the perfect example of this.     

The League would like to extend its sincere condolences to his friends and family and to Ribchester Rovers Football Club.

His funeral will be held on Sunday 19 January.

Festive Update

On behalf of the League Management Committee can I take this opportunity to wish all our clubs, players, team officials, volunteers and match officials , best wishes for the Festive period and the New Year .

For the first half of the season the weather has been very kind to us and fingers crossed that will continue into 2025. Operating in grassroots football can be very rewarding and at the same time requires a lot of work from both the clubs and the Management Committee and I would like to thank everyone for all their support and hard work.

Please check your fixtures for the 4 January. Peter Jones the Fixtures Secretary, has had to make a few changes due in part to some of the venues where we play our games not reopening until until the 6  January even though we restart on the 4 January.

January will be a busy month with League Fixtures, County Cup Fixtures (good luck to our clubs who are in the final stages of these cups), and our own Guildhall Cup (3rd Round) and Lancastrian Brigade Cup (1st Round).  

Best Wishes,

Alan Stuttard
Secretary/Treasurer
Mid Lancashire Football League

Remembrance Weekend – 8/9 November

This Sunday is Remembrance Sunday in memory and recognition of the service and sacrifice of those who have served in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations over the years.

The league would ask that all teams observe a minutes silence prior to the games on Friday 8th (Vetarans) and Saturday 9th.

Thank you,

Alan Stuttard
League Secretary/Treasurer

2024/25 Season Kick-off – Important Reminders for All Teams

As we gear up for the start of the 2024/25 Mid Lancashire Football League season this Saturday, 17th August, we’d like to remind all team contacts of a few essential guidelines and deadlines to ensure a smooth start to the season.

Player Registration and Eligibility

Before fielding any players, it is crucial that all teams double-check that their players are fully registered and eligible to play. This includes ensuring that no players are currently suspended. Playing an unregistered or suspended player could lead to serious consequences, including fines or points deductions, so please take the time to verify your squad’s status.

If you encounter any issues or have questions regarding player registration, please reach out to Albert Newton as soon as possible. He is available to assist with any registration concerns.

Upcoming Fixtures

The fixtures for the remainder of August have been released and are now available on the league’s official website. Teams should prepare accordingly to meet all match obligations.

Please note that the first round of the Guildhall Cup is scheduled for 21st September. Teams involved should start preparing well in advance to ensure they are fully ready for the competition.

Post-Match Responsibilities

After each match, teams are required to follow these steps:

  1. Score Submission:
    • The match score must be uploaded to Full Time within 60 minutes of the match’s conclusion. This can be done via text or through the league website.
  2. Team-Sheet Submission:
    • Teams have a window of two days (48 hours) post-match to upload their team-sheet to Full Time. This submission should include details such as the goal scorers, times of goals, and substitutions used during the match.
    • Failure to submit the team-sheet within this timeframe will result in a fine. Please ensure your team avoids unnecessary penalties by adhering to this deadline.
  3. Referee Scoring:
    • As part of the team-sheet submission process, teams are also required to score the referee. This step is mandatory and must be completed before the team-sheet can be officially uploaded.

Photographs for Weekly Roundup

If any teams have photographers who capture matchday moments, we encourage you to share these images with us. Please email your photos to web.admin@midlancsfl.com so they can be featured in our weekly roundup. Make sure to include the photographer’s name so we can give proper credit.

Thank you for your attention to these details, and best of luck to all teams as we kick off what promises to be another exciting season of football in the Mid Lancashire Football League!


For any questions or further assistance, please contact your league representatives or reach out to Albert Newton for player registration queries. Let’s make the 2024/25 season a successful one!

League Update: 2024/25 Divisions Announced

Streamlined Divisions Set for 2024/25: Ensuring Fair Play and Reducing Travel Strain

DIVISIONS

The League Management Committee met last night to consider the make up of the Divisions for 2024/25. A number of options were considered one of which being the option of a North/South split. However this proved very difficult for a number of reasons :

1. With the increase in the number of teams it would be difficult to run an end of year play off particularly if the weather was anything like last year.

2. The North option resulted in a Division that was not balanced in terms of the teams for example two clubs each with a reserve side would be in the same Division, the teams that were added to make up the North would be travelling long distances every other week for their away matches with very limited local matches. 

3. There is a rule in SCOR (Standard Code of Rules) which allows two teams from the same club to be in the same Division but does not allow the interchange of players other than by transfer of the player. This could work against players in Reserve sides being considered for the First team on merit, also some players maybe restricted on where they can play due to work (eg they can only play home games).

Therefore we decided to run a straight 4 Divisions. The allocation of clubs for the Premier Division and Division 1 was straightforward. The allocation between Division 2 and 3 was based on where teams finished in their respective Leagues last year (Mid Lancs, North Lancs, Wigan Amateur etc) and an assessment of completely new teams.

The Divisions for 2024/25 are below.

Premier Division

Division One

Bickerstaffe

Broughton Amateurs

Burscough Dynamo

Eccleston & Heskin

Highgrove

Preston Wanderers

Shevington

Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs

Standish St Wilfrids

Tarleton Corinthians

Walmer Bridge

AFC Ainsdale

Appley Bridge

Astley FC

Cherrybrook

Cube FC

Leyland RAFA (Previously Gables FC)

Hoole United

Ribchester Rovers

Sir Tom Finney

Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs Reserves

Standish St Wilfrids Reserves

Division Two

Division Three

Astley FC Reserves

Bickerstaffe Reserves

Burscough FC

Castle FC

Fleetwood Hesketh

Marsh United

Middleton & Overton

New Longton Rovers

Westgate Hawks

Wigan Rovers

AFC Ainsdale Reserves

Bay Rangers

Broughton Amateurs Reserves

Cherrybrook Reserves

Chipping FC A

Marsh United Reserves

Middleton & Overton Reserves

Shevington Reserves

Walmer Bridge Reserves

Wyre Villa

AFFLIATION

Again thank you to all those clubs who have completed their Affiliation.

A word of warning for those that haven’t in terms of playing football, friendlies, pre season tournaments. If you are not Affiliated, you are not insured and you should not be playing football until you are Affiliated. For example this could have consequences for your club and players if there are injuries.

Based on the current information on the Whole Game System the following are not currently Affiliated (there are a couple in progress so I have excluded them from the list):

  • Castle FC
  • Cherrybrook Reserves
  • Cube FC
  • Fleetwood Hesketh
  • Ribchester Rovers
  • Preston Wanderers
  • Standish St Wilfrids
  • Wyre Villa

Please could I ask that you complete the Affiliation as soon as possible.

LEAGUE MEETING OF CLUBS

The next League Meeting of Clubs will be held on Thursday 8 August  7.30pm at Bamber Bridge County & Catholic Club, Brownedge Road, Bamber Bridge , Preston PR5 6TA. 

The main purpose of the meeting will be to run through all the arrangements for the start of the new season.  Further details will be sent out nearer the time.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

Alan Stuttard
Secretary / Treasurer
Mid Lancashire Football League

Astley FCs Summer 7s Charity Tournament

Kick for a Cause: Join Astley FC’s Summer 7s Charity Tournament and Make a Difference!

Get ready for a day of thrilling football and community spirit at Astley FC’s Summer 7s Charity Tournament! Join them on Saturday, 20th July, at the Westway Sports Hub in Chorley for an exciting 7-a-side competition where skill, teamwork, and passion come together for a great cause. With a maximum of 10 players per team and a registration fee of just £120, this tournament promises not only fierce matches but also the chance to make a meaningful difference. Remember, all teams must be FA Affiliated to participate.

All proceeds from the event will be split between two wonderful charities, Derian House and Living Waters Church. Derian House offers vital support to children and families facing serious illnesses, while Living Waters Church provides essential community services and outreach programs. By joining the Summer 7s, you’ll be supporting these invaluable organizations. For more information and to secure your team’s spot, please email clubdevelopment@astleyfc.com. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to enjoy a great day of football while giving back to the community!

Annual General Meeting 23/24: Celebrating Excellence in Football

The 23/24 Annual General Meeting concluded with a celebratory presentation of the season’s most prestigious awards, acknowledging the exceptional achievements of teams, referees, and club officials. The atmosphere was one of anticipation and excitement as the accomplishments of the past year were honored.

Premiership 23/24 Winners: Standish St Wilfrids

The highlight of the evening was the crowning of Standish St Wilfrids as the Premiership 23/24 champions. Their consistent performance throughout the season earned them the top spot, showcasing their talent and dedication. The team proudly accepted the trophy amidst cheers and applause.

Premiership 23/24 Runners Up: Bickerstaffe

Bickerstaffe, the Premiership runners-up, also had a stellar season, pushing Standish St Wilfrids to their limits. Their hard work and sportsmanship were commended as they received their well-deserved trophy.

Division 1 23/24 Winners: Broughton Amateurs

Broughton Amateurs emerged as the champions of Division 1, demonstrating outstanding skill and teamwork. Their victory was a testament to their relentless pursuit of excellence throughout the season.

Division 1 23/24 Runners Up: Burscough Dynamo

Burscough Dynamo, securing the second position in Division 1, also had an impressive season. Their efforts and commitment were celebrated as they received their runners-up trophy.

Division 2 23/24 Winners: Cube FC

Cube FC triumphed in Division 2, earning the top spot with remarkable performances. Their determination and strategic play were key to their success, making them deserving winners.

Division 2 23/24 Runners Up: Gables FC

Gables FC, finishing as runners-up in Division 2, showcased commendable skill and perseverance. Their journey through the season was acknowledged with applause as they accepted their trophy.

Fair Play Award: Fleetwood Hesketh

Fleetwood Hesketh was honored with the Fair Play Award, recognizing their exemplary sportsmanship and fair conduct throughout the season. Their dedication to the spirit of the game was highly praised.

Referee of the Year Award: Ethan Fletcher

Ethan Fletcher was awarded the Referee of the Year, marking a significant milestone in his career. Having previously won the Young Referee of the Year, Ethan’s growth and expertise in officiating were evident and celebrated.

Young Referees of the Year: Ben Wilson & Rob Kearley

The future of refereeing looks promising with Ben Wilson and Rob Kearley being named Young Referees of the Year. Their passion and skill in officiating were recognized, promising great things ahead.

Club Secretary of the Year: Phil Cain – Preston Wanderers

Phil Cain of Preston Wanderers was awarded Club Secretary of the Year for his exceptional contribution to the club’s administration and success. In Phil’s absence, Gary Duboulay, Manager of Preston Wanderers, graciously accepted the award on his behalf.

The AGM was not only a platform to review the season but also a moment to celebrate the collective efforts and achievements of all involved. The presentation of trophies and awards highlighted the dedication, passion, and sportsmanship that define the spirit of football. Congratulations to all the winners and participants for an unforgettable season!

Standish St Wilfrid’s Secure Premier Division Title

Standish secured the Premier Division Title with a 2-0 victory over their nearest rivals Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs .

Standish started the game on the front foot and could have been 2-0 up inside the first 10 minutes. Sami Sobeith hit the post after only two minutes following a defensive error and minutes later he fired straight at the Southport Goalkeeper from inside the 6 yard box. Standish had a further effort to score after a through ball beat the offside trap but the ball was place just wide.

Southport who needed a win to have any chance of the League title remained in the hunt but Standish eventually made their pressure tell in the second half when a cross into the penalty area found James Harrison at the far post who scored with a diving header. Cue celebrations by the Standish team. Southport pushed forward in search of an equaliser but were caught on the break and Tom Warren made thinks certain with a left foot strike after cutting in from the left wing.

A great result for Standish and a well deserved title . This made up for their loss in the Guildhall Cup Final to Southport and finished off a great season for the lads from Standish. Every credit to manager Phil Ramsdale and his management team.

Alan Stuttard , the League Secretary, presented the trophy to captain Adam Simpkin in front of a good crowd and the celebrations began