Forums:
Clubs in the Ebac Northern League are being asked if they wish to take part in a cup competition after Easter. The move follows the decision by the FA Leagues Committee who are making a recommendation to the FA Full Council that the current season be discontinued and there will be no further league fixtures played this season.. It’s understood that outdoor training can resume with effect from 29th March 2021 and county FA competitions and the FA Vase are set to recommence in April if the current Government roadmap remains in place and restrictions are eased at the earliest possible opportunity. At this stage no clarification has been issued by the Government as to when or how many spectators may be allowed to attend any of these games. The Ebac Northern League will, if there is sufficient interest, organise either a League Cup or First and Second Division cup competitions after Easter which would be on a group basis and give clubs a minimum of six to eight games before the end of May 2021. With some clubs still having concerns over the transmission of the virus, entry into any such league competition will not be mandatory and there won’t be any penalties imposed for not taking part. Clubs are being asked to respond by Friday 5th March 2021 at the latest. This does not commit clubs to taking part at this stage but will give an indication of any interest in a return to football in the next few months. Apart from being asked whether they wish to take part in a cup competition, they are also being asked whether they would prefer a League Cup competition covering both divisions or a separate competition for First and Second Division clubs.
http://www.northernfootballleague.org/news/cup-competition-option
Cancelled
END OF SEASON CUP CANCELLED The League Management Committee (LMC) has decided not to proceed with an end-of-season cup competition.
The FA has issued guidance about the return of football next week but is still waiting for further guidance and information from the Government about the next stage in April, including the attendance of spectators.
League chairman Glenn Youngman said:
“I know people will be disappointed but there is too much uncertainty for us to proceed. It’s better to make a decision now so that everyone knows what the situation is as early as possible and so that clubs can start planning for the future.
“Hopefully we can now look forward to later this summer when we can start a new season afresh.”
It was also confirmed at the League Management Committee meeting that Ebac has continued its sponsorship of the league. Glenn added:
“We are very grateful to John Elliott and the team at Ebac for their long-standing support of the league. The sponsorship means that we can run such a successful league, helping clubs to run, develop and grow.
“The sponsorship is particularly welcome in such challenging times for football.
“Finally, we wish good luck to our teams still in the Buildbase FA Vase and in particular Consett and Hebburn who can finally contest last season’s final, although it’s a huge disappointment that their fans can’t be at Wembley to see such a historic match for both clubs.”
http://www.northernfootballleague.org/news/end-of-season-cup-cancelled/