THE big Bolton News debate on junior football's plans to switch to a summer season takes place on the radio tonight.

The Bolton, Bury and District Football League are proposing changing from the tradition winter season to solve the problem of games being called off due to bad weather and to provide better playing conditions for young players.

It has caused concerns in other sports, particularly cricket, who believe summer football would hit participation in their sports.

The debate has been instigated by The Bolton News as we believe the issue needs open discussion between all parties involved to try to get the best outcome for all sports.

We have gathered together a top panel of eight people who represent various areas of the discussion which will take place on 96.5 Bolton FM tonight between 8pm and 10pm and presented by Matt Holden.

On the panel will be The Bolton News head of sport Neil Bonnar, who has written stories and comment about the subject which has attracted huge interest on the paper's website and on social media.

The BBDFL is one of the biggest, fastest growing and most innovative sporting leagues in the country with 620 teams, 8,500 players, all age groups from under-7s to under-21s, and a thriving indoor league.

They, along with players and parents, have become frustrated by constant match postponements and having to stage matches on poor pitches.

They believe changing to a summer season will eliminate that frustration and help to develop the skills and ability of young players in the area.

Cricket and some other sports are concerned those youngsters will choose to play football at the expense of continuing in or taking up their sport.The presenter of tonight's summer sports clash radio discussion, Matt Holden, believes it will be a fascinating debate.

Bolton FM's Thursday night sports show presenter will ask the questions for the panel of eight to answer.

And he is anticipating a compelling show.

He said: "The Bolton, Bury and District Football League are very passionate about the future of their league and want the best for its teams, coaches, referees and most importantly the players.

"We are not blessed with the best weather in Bolton so maybe the move to summer would allow more games to be played and reduce the number of weeks lost to postponements that they have experienced recently.

"But Bolton is such a sporty town it would be a shame to see other sports lose out on their talented young players in favour of football.

"There has to be a balance and I'm pretty sure that all parties will be open to work together and get the best for sport in the town.

"It promises to be a fascinating debate in which strong points and opinions will be expressed and I, for one, am looking forward to it "

On the panel

Neil Bonnar – head of sport at The Bolton News. Neil has organised the radio debate, gathered together the panel and written stories and comment about the summer football proposal.

Warren Barlow – chairman of the Bolton, Bury and District Football League.

Gary Russell – secretary of the Bolton, Bury and District Football League.

John Hutchinson – chairman of the Bolton Cricket League.

Dave Tattersall – manager of Egerton Cricket Club, the current Bolton League champions, former cricket player and professional in Bolton league cricket.

Bill Carr – 14-year-old who plays for Eagley FC in the Bolton, Bury and District Football League and for Astley Bridge CC in the Bolton Cricket League.

Andy Taylor – secretary of the Bolton Tennis League, committee member on the Bolton Sports Federation and committee member on the Lancashire Tennis Council.

Kevin Davies – Former Bolton Wanderers footballer involved in developing football and other sports in Bolton.