FOOTBALL in the Eastern Counties is set to undergo a massive shake-up under plans revealed by the Football Association.

The proposals published by the FA relate to a review of Step 5/6 clubs as the FA seek to reduce the number of Step 5 leagues from 14 down to 12 from 2013/14 onwards.

This will see the Eastern Counties League replaced by a new Eastern Division, with 10 clubs from the United Counties League merging with 14 current Ridgeons League Premier Division clubs.

It is proposed that the seven other Ridgeons League Premier Division clubs - Brantham Athletic, FC Clacton, Felixstowe & Walton United, Hadleigh United, Stanway Rovers, Wivenhoe Town and Woodbridge Town - will form a new London North-East Division with the 18 Essex Senior League clubs.

The first meeting of the planned overhaul took place at Aveley on Sunday, with three more spread over the next four weeks as the FA seek feedback from clubs.