Kent League step up plans for new division

THE KENT Football League has continued its plans to develop Step 6 in the region by asking Kent County League clubs for their views, just a month after Kent League chair Denise Richmond publicly revealed her League‘s plans to help clubs progress, writes Stephen McCartney.

Since August 2007 when the Kent League held their first Strategy Day, the creation of a Step 6 level in the region has been high on the agenda.

An internal working group was formed last year which speedily organised a meeting with representatives of the County League, the FA and the Kent County Football Association.

This meeting was held in January 2008, and was followed by a further meeting with the County league in April 2008.

Both meetings were held to discuss the possibilities for football in Kent at Step 5 and below, including amalgamation of the two leagues.

Despite that early positive meeting in January, progress was delayed as the Kent County League set up their own working party and as a consequence were unable to agree dates for further meetings.

Now the Kent League is seeking the views of Kent County League clubs so they can press ahead with their plans, in the hope of forming the division for the start of the 2009/10 season.

“These are exciting times for non-league football in Kent,” Ms Richmond told www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“The creation of a Step 6 division would be for the benefit of football in this region and allow clubs access to greater funding from the Football Foundation.

“We have notified the Kent County League of our intention and are now seeking the views of their clubs on this proposal.

“There is a need to find out about their facilities, understand what their ambitions are and whether they are capable of making the next step up.

“This information will allow much more meaningful discussions to take place with both the FA and the County League.

“We have seen a number of clubs progress to the Ryman League in recent seasons and are committed to bolster football in Kent and the surrounding areas at all levels.

“Whilst the quality of Kent Football as a whole continues to rise, it is a real struggle for clubs at lower levels, and the quantity of clubs coming up through the system will slow down.

“It can only benefit football to look at this now rather than wait for it to happen and we are keen to find ways to help clubs progress.”

The formation of a Step 6 division will help bridge the widening gap between clubs at Step 5 and Step 7 in the non-league pyramid.

The Kent League has already demonstrated their commitment to help clubs progress, having assisted Holmesdale and Norton Sports with promotion to Step 5 in the last two seasons.

Ms Richmond added: ““They were both ground-breaking promotions for different reasons. Holmesdale moved up to step 5 and obtained additional funding to assist with their ground improvements while Norton Sports have come up through a groundshare agreement.”

Clubs have until 28^th July to respond and once all replies are received the information will be collated and forwarded to the Football Association.

It is very likely that the Kent League will organise further meetings with both the Football Association and the Kent County League.

Visit the Kent League website: www.kentleague.com