North West Counties League to start in July

Following a League Management Committee Meeting held this week, the North West Counties Football League have provisionally agreed to start the 2021-22 League Season on Saturday 31st July.

A statement uploaded to the NWCFL's official website said: "Following the disappointments of the two previous seasons being cut short by the Pandemic Conditions, the Management Committee looked at the potential for logistical issues that could surround the re-start.  However, we are confident enough to set the date, subject to conditions being right to play open and competitive football in what is viewed as normal operating conditions.  It is hoped that by the time July comes around there will be few if any restrictions regarding spectator access to stadia, hospitality provision and of course operational requirements such as Team and Officials changing facilities and so on.  

"If we still find ourselves in a restricted operational environment it is likely that this will need to be reviewed. However, given the positive outlook at present with regards to the pace of Roadmaps, Vaccinations and Lockdown easements we are hopeful that we will be good to go in what will be a highly anticipated season in the campaign that will take us up to the 40th anniversary year of the foundation of the North West Counties League.

"We are also hoping to confirm the staging of the 2019-20 Macron Cup Final between 1874 Northwich and Runcorn Town which is still outstanding but an event that we are keen to hold.  It is hoped we can confirm a date for this in the coming days."

Locally, the decision effects Avro, who compete in the North West Counties Premier Division, and Chadderton of the North West Counties First Division North.