TWO of the county’s youth leagues are joining forces from next season to combat dwindling numbers of older teams.

The Gloucester Youth League and Stroud and District Youth League will merge in September to became the Severn Valley Youth League, which will provide football for Under-8s to Under-16s.

Entry for the new league, which starts in September, will be free of charge although usual club deposit fee will still apply.

The league is the result of a joint initiative between Gloucestershire FA Development Officers Alexis Lunn-Gadd and Scott Milne, and the two existing leagues’ officials.

“We feel that the new league structure will create a more sustainable pathway for mini-soccer and youth football in those and surrounding areas, as well as creating a better experience for the clubs, teams and young players involved,” said Milne.

Gloucester Youth League chairman, Ken Fagan, added: “I was concerned about the dwindling number of teams in our league, particularly in the older age groups.

“When the opportunity arose to discuss a possible merger with the Stroud Youth League it was obvious from the very positive discussions that we had that it was the right way forward.

“We have been able to pool our resources and the new league will benefit from the increased knowledge that the combined committee members will bring to it.”

The Gloucester Youth League currently includes sides from Cinderford Town, Lydney Town, Broadwell, Ellwood and many other village clubs.

Clubs or teams interested in joining should contact either league secretary Sue Davis via email on [email protected], Scott Milne at [email protected] or Alexis Lunn-Gadd at [email protected].