The Southend Junior League have come to the end of another hugely successful season with a stark warning about next term from top official Yvonne Haycock.

The curtain came down on the 1998-99 campaign with last week's cup final day at Roots Hall. However, Mrs Haycock is now letting clubs know that four age groups of the League will not be running next term unless fixture secretaries come forward.

She said: "All club secretaries were informed in April that there were to be a number of vacancies for next term at under-11, 12, 13 and 14 age group level.

"They were warned at the same time that, unless someone comes forward to fill those vacancies, then the age group concerned would not be able to run next season."

The deadline is June 25 - just prior to the League's annual general meeting. The League also have an important vacancy in the referees' secretary post.

Added Mrs Haycock: "The positions need persons who have free time plus patience and a methodical mind. It must be made clear that these are entirely voluntary positions and only expenses are paid.

"We have our doubts that club secretaries of all our 70-odd clubs have actually been through to their respective managers and parents pointing out the seriousness of the situation.

"If no-one comes forward literally 100s of youngsters could find themselves without any football next season."

With the change in FA rules, the Junior Lleague will not be runnning soccer at under-10 level next term. This will now come under the mini-soccer label and will be part of the South-East Essex Primary League set-up next term.

So, if no-one comes foreward at any age groups, the league could find itself running soccer at only under-15 and 16 age groups next term.

Anyone who can help should contact Mrs Haycock on 01702 612692

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.