EX-WANDERERS legend Kevin Davies is calling on Bolton football clubs to take advantage of a £1,500 cash boost and reduce the drop-off rates of players at the age of 18.

The Lancashire FA have given the green light for an Under-21s football league for local grassroots sides to offer opportunities to players and try to keep them enjoying the sport.

Davies has been linking up with the Bolton, Bury and District Football League to try to improve the local league with fresh ideas from the top and this new initiative is something he is throwing his weight behind.

He said: “This is an exciting move for grassroots football “Gary Russell and Warren (Barlow) have been pushing for this for some time. There is a similar thing with the Premier League, sides have a Under-21s league – but we feel it should be carried on at grassroots level.

“The Bolton, Bury and District Football League have lots of teams competing but when they turn 17 or 18 there is a gap or jump for them to either go into Sunday League or senior football.

“Some of them don’t even play the sport any more.

“We want to stop this with a competitive league and then they can play with more senior, experienced football players after.”

The 37-year-old admits there has been quite a lot of interest in the league which will pit teams from around the county against each other.

He said: “The more teams we can get involved the stronger the competition can be.

“More than a dozen teams have declared an interest but we hope others can get on board.

“I know some clubs will want to keep the players on to play in the seniors but this will help teams stay as mates and offer a pathway to senior football.

"The costs of running the teams will be taken out of it as the FA are giving £1,500 to help with kit costs and equipment but they have to apply by February 18 and all they need to pay is £50 for membership.

"The Lancashire FA are going to ensure there are referee and linesmen to officiate games."

Davies is currently trying to come up with incentives to give a professional appeal to teams and players.

"All teams will be screened and tested and given a pre-season training schedule as they do at top clubs.

"We are looking for a company to sponsor the league and be associated with us. One team will be selected to attend a European pre-season training camp with either a club or top coach." Davies admits it is important to build relationships and work with the professional side in Lancashire.

He said: "We are hoping to eventually work with all the professional teams in the 20 mile radius and maximise the use of facilities and things like coaching and mentoring for instance.

"We feel that local professional clubs play a vital role in supporting grassroots football. We are focusing on making it very professional and a s close to being run as the professional clubs run there.

If you would like to join the league email: gsr@pdasearchandselection.com