The Pitching In Northern Premier League AGM took place on Saturday 26th June, but due to covid was held via a zoom meeting instead of the usual hotel gathering.
After the problems caused over the last two seasons, the determination of all leagues in the National Leagues System (non-league steps 1-6) is to ensure that at the end of 2021-22, promotion and relegation will take place.
Hopefully, this will be at the end of an uninterrupted campaign, but should there be further covid-related lockdowns, then a contingency plan has been agreed and will deal with whatever restrictions are placed before the leagues and various options available to ensure that the target is met.
Sponsors Pitching In are fully aware of the need at non-league level to attract volunteers and are devising some sort of proposal to attract supporters in a way that will assist the clubs by encouraging more people to help in whatever way they can. At this level of the game, clubs are most reliant of unpaid help, either on matchdays or during the week, and the aim is to ensure supporters are aware that turning up on a Saturday or Tuesday to watch a game can only happen thanks to the goodwill of many people behind the scenes.
Following the death last year of President Noel White, the position has become vacant. The unanimous choice to replace him was former NPL director, Prestwich-based Phil Bradley, who was voted in as the new President of the Pitching In Northern Premier League, having been proposed by Ramsbottom United.
Cambridge City and Histon’s appeal to the FA against their lateral move into the NPL (Midlands Division) was rejected, and both clubs have now assumed membership of the league.
Fixtures for next season are now being drawn up and should be released around the middle of July.
A minute’s silence was observed for all those involved with our clubs who have sadly passed away within the last twelve months, and reports from the Chairman Mark Harris and General Manager Angie Firth updated clubs on the happenings of the last twelve months and whilst looking ahead to the new season which is due to kick off on Saturday 14th August.
