Chairman Gary Russell gives an update on developments in the Bolton, Bury and District Football League

I MENTIONED in my last communication how important it was, every week to reflect and see what is working well, and what needs improving across all elements of our league.

It is not an easy task, but a very important one.

At this time of year, it is even more important to review the past year and look forward to a new one and the many more to come.

Over the past year we have achieved so much, and all our members and partners should take great pride in major, measurable successes.

We have introduced a winter futsal league, a new summer league for under-7s to u11s, achieved charitable status, formed a new limited company, appointed a new board of directors, trustees and advisors, agreed to launch an adult league, introduced a new youth council, progressed coach and referee development and launched the advertising of our 2018 summer World Cup ball at the Macron stadium.

When you look back, it has been breathtaking progress, and can only be achieved with the commitment of all.

Minimum requirement is maximum effort.

We have also spent some time out recently talking to clubs and partners about where they see the league at present and what we can do to improve.

The feedback is so important and essential if we are to create the best football experience for our youth, and to ensure we are taking the league to its highest level that meets members' needs.

It is our members' league, and they have a major part to play in how it should be run.

We want transparency, openness, honesty, constructive feedback and ideas on how we can take us to the next level. We are also very keen to get clubs more involved with league decisions.

There are so many opportunities and the future is exciting, and only this week we have agreed partnerships with other grassroots leagues around the country and major professional clubs.

One area we are working very hard on is our zero-tolerance policy on discipline, both on and off the field, and the board and league committee are now taking a more proactive approach on all matters to put an end to a few incidents which have occurred recently which, to be blunt, have no place in our league.

Thankfully, it is a minority, but one report is too many.

I am pleased to report this strong message seems to be working its way around the league, and I am delighted some clubs – but not all – involved in some of the incidents have taken their own decisive action internally.

It is no coincidence reports have reduced significantly.

We fully support this revised approach as it has a club accountability to ensure internal codes of conduct are applied and maintained and not left to the league or county FA to deal with.

A number of initiatives are well advanced including a new league structure at board and committee level, which includes defining a long-term strategy for the league.

Finally, I had the pleasure of watching a great BBDFL grassroots game over the festive period between Eagley U13s and BISC U13/14s at Little Lever Sports Centre.

Both teams were a credit to the BBDFL and the football was of a very high standard. The game was played in a great spirit, with positive interaction between coaches, players and parents.

The referee was excellent and it left me thinking we have a great grassroots model.

Do we have more work to do? Of course. Can we improve? Of course. Will we achieve and deliver? Of course.

Thanks for all your continued support and best wishes for the winter and summer season.

Also best wishes to our partners which include BWFC, Bolton News, Bolton FM, Matchwinner, Munshini, Atticus, BWCT, Bolton University, Bolton Arena, Ladybridge High School, Smithills, Bolton Futsal, AFC Masters, Academy Juniors, Manchester City and Manchester United.