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A message to teams from our new Chairman

Saturday 23 March 2024 20:00 by Skem JFL

We would like to post a message to all teams from our new Chairman, Kev Duffy, on behalf of the new Committee.

Dear Managers, Coaches, and Committee Members of your respective clubs,

I am Kev Duffy, and I am privileged to have been invited to serve as the chairman of the Skelmersdale Junior Football League.

First and foremost, I wish to express my gratitude to the outgoing committee for their remarkable dedication to grassroots football in Skelmersdale. Without their unwavering commitment, there would not be a league for our teams to participate in.

The new committee is full of enthusiasm and determination to restore Skem JFL to its former glory. We are fully aware of the magnitude of the task ahead, but collectively, we want the very best for all the teams competing in this league. Already, we have made exciting decisions in collaboration with West Lancashire Council, which we believe will enhance the league.

Here are a few initiatives we intend to implement for the 2024/25 season:

  • Pitch maintenance: Pitches will undergo repair and verti-draining during the summer, a task not undertaken for five years.
  • Professional upkeep: External contractors will be responsible for weekly cutting and maintenance of pitches throughout the season to ensure optimal playing conditions.
  • Venue optimisation: Mini football for U7s and U8s will remain at Elm Tree Primary School, allowing us to fully utilise Liverpool Road for 7-a-side, 9-a-side, and 11-a-side pitches.
  • Simplified payments: League and referee fees will be consolidated and collected monthly via GoCardless Payments.
  • Facility upgrade: Our clubhouse will undergo thorough cleaning and updating.
  • Age group focus: We will cater to the following age groups: U7s, U8s, U9s, U13s, U14s, U15s, and U16s. This approach enables us to concentrate on the existing teams in the league, with plans to introduce U10s, U11s, and U12s in the subsequent season.

We acknowledge that the current season has been challenging for various reasons. However, we plan to fulfil all fixtures, leagues, and cups to their conclusion. We hope you recognise the positive changes we aim to implement and continue to support the new committee.

Your feedback is invaluable to us. Please take a moment to provide your thoughts and suggestions on how we can further improve the league moving forward: Feedback Questionnaire.

Easter Weekend #

With us missing 9 weeks of football this season due to appalling weather, we made the decision to arrange games for Easter Weekend (31st March). Due to overwhelming feedback from managers, we have decided to cancel this round of fixtures so no games Easter Sunday.

Midweek Fixtures #

We will be announcing the start of midweek fixtures shortly to ensure all games are completed before 31st May.

Thank you, as always, for your support and we'll see you tomorrow.

Kev Duffy
Chairman
Skelmersdale Junior Football League