'Encouraging' signs as new teams want to join Boston and District Saturday League

Boston and District Saturday Football League chairman Roger Gell is hoping that action can return to normal next season.

And he believes the ‘hunger for local football is out there’ after clubs have began enquiring about joining the competition.

Last week The Standard reported that the four-division league was declared null and void for a second successive season.

But there remains hope it can be business as usual when the 2021-22 campaign kicks off later this year.

“I think the vaccination programme has changed the prospect for football next season if, as expected, the adult population is offered the vaccine by the end of July,” Mr Gell said.

“I would like to think next season that everyone participating in local football can do with the reassurance they can do safely.

“And, obviously, we’d hope for a more complete season next season.”

The decision to end the campaign was taken due to the belief it wouldn’t be possible to complete the outstanding 396 fixtures in allotted time.

However, outdoor sport is allowed to resume from March 29 and the league hope to stage some form of supplementary competition.

Mr Gell added: “I’m delighted that we’ve had three enquiries already for new teams wanting to enter the league, which is very encouraging

“I think it just shows the hunger for local football is out there.

“I think the signs are encouraging for next season.”