Spring / Summer Friendlies

The Alliance League recognises that many of our clubs partake in pre season friendlies in between seasons. In some cases these can even start as early as May or June, although during July and especially August, they are more common, and many clubs can play as many as 7 or 8 games before a new season begins.

There is also a possibility that because of a smaller, more manageable number of teams in each division this season, and (so far) a very kind and mild winter compared to recent years, increasing numbers of clubs may seek friendlies as the year progresses. Although we have a long way to go yet before we can consider the winter behind us, some clubs, given an uninterrupted run of fixtures, could well complete their season around March time.

The league knows the amount of work many club secretaries and managers have to put in to arrange friendlies. If there is an increasing demand for games, we would like to help clubs by co-ordinating and organising as many as possible, which would benefit all. Our aim is to create a pool of clubs, referees and possibly grounds that would be accessible for these games which would make things run a lot smoother.

It would also be an ideal starting point for our new member clubs – a handful of whom have already been accepted for next season. What better way to prepare for your first season in the Alliance by having the chance to experience pre-season games against existing sides, using official Alliance League referees and giving them a real taste of what the league is all about?

By having an appointed co-ordinator, we could pair up teams that are looking for games, take out all the hassle of finding referees (and possibly grounds) and generally make the experience better for all. You may even wish to submit your own ground or pitch for availability. Our initial starting point at the moment is to compile a list of all clubs (and then referees) who would be interested and/or available in our pool scheme and then start to collate the information so that firm announcements and plans can be made nearer the summer (or earlier if the case may be).

PLEASE NOTE THAT ANY LEAGUE GAMES TAKE PRIORITY OVER FRIENDLIES SHOULD THEY BE REQUIRED DURING THE REGULATION SEASON, EVEN AT SHORT NOTICE.

If your club would like to be part of this development, then please confirm your acceptance and contact details by sending them to Mark Whait, (or reply to this thread or by PM) so that the best possible opportunities can be found for you.

TOP IDEA,WITH THE LEAGUE HAVING A HAND IN THE ORGANISATION I THINK CLUBS WOULD BE MORE INCLINED TO COMPLETE THE FIXTURE ,INSTEAD OF TURNING UP SHORT OR NOT AT ALL.AND ALSO IT WOULD BE HELP THE NEW TEAMS TO THE ALLIANCE WHO MAY NOT KNOW TOO MUCH ABOUT THE STRENGTH OF TEAMS SO COULD BE MATCHED UP BETTER(AFTER ALL WHO WANTS A MAULING FROM ADVANCE IT WOULD NOT DO EITHER CLUB ANY GOOD)

Much interest in this Mark?

13 teams so far

Can't remember if I message you or not mark but add huncote and maybe the ressies too

Will do!

Add Humbo 2000 mate

Include us please pal..

could you stick us(azul) on the list as well mark thanks

Will do, another announcement to follow very soon

Will this scheme affect pitch availability for those teams not "registered"? We usually use one of two venues for our summer friendlies and would hope they aren't fully booked up by the Alliance League.

We will only be playing 4 or 5 friendlies and we usually play against the same sides every year. Is it worth registering?

it's not certain at this stage if 'Alliance' teams will have exclusive rights to pitches, and if some have been pre-booked then there will be no precedent for us to over ride this, but why not register anyway - as this will certainly ensure you a referee and help with the organisational side

add niffy x 2 please, we normally have a month off and then our goons want a kickabout again. Its lookin increasing unlikely we can sustain a 3rd team

can you add us to the list please mark

bretty1 wrote:

add niffy x 2 please, we normally have a month off and then our goons want a kickabout again. Its lookin increasing unlikely we can sustain a 3rd team

If thats the case who will be fined if the 3rd team folds ???????

Think the friendlies is a good idea for new teams more so at least the league can see what sort of standard they are and then decide which division they will start in the new season.

now that more and more teams are finished for the season (espcecially Polska!) there will be more details to follow this week

Yep GT would be up for this add us please

will do

Very much think NRI would be interested in this also, will ask Widds the main man if we can be added but i like the sound of it.

more the merrier, makes it easier for everyone!

Add Fosse to the list please Marko

Frolesworth United would also like to be involved, please.

Many thanks.

Stick Sparta Moshdock on the list as well please.

Cheers.

Ok, we currently have 23 clubs that have expressed an interest (one of which I am puzzled by because they claim to be joining the Alliance next season only no one on the committee knows who they are or has heard of them!)...

My aim is to get as many of you playing as many friendlies as you can accommodate throughout the summer and during the build up to next season. Obviously, this season isn't over yet so I am expecting a relatively quiet time of things until June onwards.

The hope is that you tell me when you want a friendly and I then look at the pool of clubs and see if any of them can play you on that specific date and time and if they are interested. I don't doubt we'll be able to get you all games because now we know who is likely to be up for football out of season, there is a good chance someone will always be available. Similarly, I will arrange any referees for you so you don't have to worry about that.

In an answer to a Hairy Hebrew pm, pitches will - as ever - be the one main obstacle - so if anyone knows of anywhere that may be available please let me know and we will do our best. Behind the scenes, we are actively speaking to pitch owners and the council to see if they will be able to help. Watch this space - I expect more opportunities to arrive the closer we get to the summer (and towards the new season)

PS First friendly arranged for Inter Mivan!

Polska legend II wrote:

PS First friendly arranged for Inter Mivan!

Against who mate?

They had a good second half to the season and it looks like they are very eager to get back on the pitch and continue their improvement for next year. Them and Wigston have got to be up there as favourites for promotion.

A team from DMU

Add kilworth and Kilworth reserves (if we get voted in)

Friar Lane are interested, put us down please

Yup we are up for it and i believe we have pitches booked for afternoon kick off through august. won't be playing football until then though!

Stick Wigston Rangers on too please Mark, meant to do add this a while ago!

Ok

we have a pitch booked for every Sunday in august for midday kick offs.

we have the Magna 73 pitch off countesthorpe road.

that was on the cards. think Magna could do very nicely out of this summer...

absolutely. We booked the pitches a few months ago and the morning slots were already taken

White Eagles would also like to be added on to the list of teams!

Nice to see Friar Lane on the forum too!

Widds - have you booked those pitches for your reserves too, we wouldnt mind giving your reserves a game closer to the start of the season.

whiteeagles wrote:

White Eagles would also like to be added on to the list of teams!

Nice to see Friar Lane on the forum too!

Widds - have you booked those pitches for your reserves too, we wouldnt mind giving your reserves a game closer to the start of the season.

I have a funny feeling NRI reserves wont be NRI reserves next season, Might be wrong though.