IN an effort to keep competitive football going through the close season for teenagers, Suffolk Football Association is to pioneer a new scheme.

Their proposal to establish an 11 v 11 Ipswich and District Summer League has been accepted as a pilot by the main FA.

There will be divisions at Under-19 and Under-17 levels with the season running for a six to eight week period through June and into July.

Matches will be played on weekday evenings Suffolk FA’s ‘Get into Football’ officer for Ipswich James Payne is delighted.

He said: “This will be the first of its kind in England, and give teenagers a chance to experience football differently.”

Suffolk FA chief executive Phil Knight said in support of the league: “To encourage maximum participation, consideration has been given to introducing competitions that fall outside of the traditional 3pm start on Saturday.

“This competition is intended to act as a pathway to senior football while encouraging youth players to hold their interest in the game in a safe and welcoming environment.”

For more information contact James Payne on 07939 536423 or at james.payne@suffolkfa.com.