Teams are now being recruited for the 2015/16 communities league season. The Birmingham league is going into its 5th season whilst the Sandwell League will be starting it's second season after a successful start last year.

The Birmingham Communities League was initially created to give brand new teams or teams that had just folded from weekly leagues the opportunity to play 11-a-side football as often or little as they wanted but importantly it gave teams the opportunity to be involved. This format of league allows teams to develop at a rate that is suited to their needs and resources.

The leagues will work as follows:

Sandwell Communities League

• One game per month
• Red House Park Great Barr
• Referee and all equipment provided
• £20 deposit to acquire place in league ( This will come off total cost for season which includes pitch fees and affiliation)
• Between £2-3 per player per game depending on Sandwell Council pricing plan for pitches in 2015/16. The £2-3 per player fee covers the cost of the pitch, referee and affiliation for season.
• Roll on roll off subs

Birmingham Communities League

• Two games per month
• Teams to source own pitch with advice and guidance from league co-ordinators and County FA
• Referee’s allocated by the league
• Roll on roll off subs

For the 2015/16 season there will be a stronger connection between the Birmingham and the Sandwell league that again will allow teams the opportunity to play as often or as little as they wish but at an affordable price.

The season will run from September to March and will work as follows:

1st Saturday of the month Birmingham Communities League
2nd Saturday of the month Sandwell Communities League
3rd Saturday of the month Birmingham Communities League
4th Saturday of the month cup competitions or catching up on any postponed games.

With the above format teams can either just play once per month or even virtually every week as teams may join both leagues. There will also be other opportunities available to teams such as coaching workshops, 5-a-side tournaments and funding opportunities. All teams have access to a FA Football Development Officer who can advise on club development and potential funding opportunities.

The communities leagues are still by far the cheapest way to play 11-a-side Football on a regular basis and is an ideal way to develop new clubs at a convenient rate.

For more information on the leagues please contact the following:

Matthew.price@birminghamfa.com  – Sandwell Communities League

obayed.hussain@start-again.co.uk  or matthew.bambrick@start-again.co.uk  - Birmingham Communities League