League given FA accolade

FOOTBALL: OLDHAM-based Junior Soccer League has been awarded FA Charter Standard League status, just six months after its introduction.

It is the first league which offers four-versus-four football to be handed the accolade.

Andrew Basterfield, Manchester FA's Senior Football Development Officer, said: “I am delighted that Junior Soccer League have achieved The FA Charter Standard League award.

“JSL have a real player development approach, playing four-versus-four football, focusing on more touches of the ball, more opportunity to run with the ball, and the creation of one-versus-one opportunities to allow development of individual techniques and skills.

“The award is a great testament to the League's hard work, and underlines their commitment in working with the County FA to develop youth football within this area of the County.

“Manchester FA fully endorses this new and exciting opportunity to develop football in the area.”

Kevin Dunkerley, founder and chairman of JSL, said: “This award represents the league's commitment to grassroots football and is a very exciting opportunity for the children of our region.

“We have come a long way since the conception of the League in June 2010, but there is a lot of hard work in front of us.”