BEING in charge of a local football league must be a thankless task.

Warren Barlow, chairman of the Bolton, Bury and District League writes a weekly column in Your Sport discussing all the issues affecting grassroots sport I THOUGHT I would do a summary of things we are doing and have been doing to grow the grassroots game in the BBDFL area.

As regular readers will be aware we have recently been awarded sanction to create an under-21s league starting in September, a summer league starting in May and to develop futsal all year round.

So that’s on the pitch, whilst off the pitch we have held meetings with the local authority to build closer links for all sports.

We are in the process of setting up the BBDFL as a registered charity with objectives that will ensure for years to come all funds generated will be reinvested in the game for training, facilities and equipment.

We are working with a major company with a view to a partnership and sponsorship package which will add real value to the whole community We are affiliated to the Lancashire FA, but we are also looking to build closer links to Manchester FA.

We are holding meetings with Bolton Wanderers to build on the great links we already have with a view to offering greater benefits for our members.

We have held meetings with the likes of Ladybridge High, ESSA Academy and Bolton University in order to offer sporting opportunities to even more people in the area. Coach education and referee development is also on our agenda.

At the moment it feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day, but the buzz around the league is tremendous and drives us all on.

We are looking to recruit a couple more committee members to help drive key areas of the game.

n If you are interested get in touch via email wbarlow5700@gmail.com.