All,

We are now entering the final 2 months of the season, where owing to the inclement weather in December,January & February, most teams will be playing midweek fixtures to catch up. This obviously provides logistical issues for all concerned, so I would like to ask that everyone uses a little common sense to ensure that the games get played. Please ensure that you communicate with your opponents and the referee (especially important for midweek games) and confirm the fixture in plenty oftime. Please also do not assume that just by leaving a message that the game is confirmed - you must ensure that you speak with your opponents as we do not want issues whereby one team turns up and the other doesn't as they claim not to have received the message.

This time of year will inevitably see some teams receive recognition in terms of winning trophies, whilst others will be disappointed if their season is not crowned with a top two finish or a cup final appearance. However, please remember that not everyone can be successful and the game would be nothing without the contribution of all the teams. Do not lose sight of the fact thatit is the taking part that is important and anything more is a bonus. I hope that all winners are gracious in their victories, whilst those who are not as successful are sporting in their reactions.

On aid to help in this area are the RESPECT barriers - on my travels around the parks, I see some occassions where these are in use and they help to create a far better atmosphere at games amongst supporters and officials. It is my opinion that other methods, such as cones etc do not work as well, but are certainly better than nothing, whilst there is no excuse for those who do not even make the effort to put any form of "Barrier" in place. I have had some clubs contact me to purchase barriers for next season and we still have a few sets available to buy - please let me know if you are interested

As far as updates are concerned, we are pleased to make the following announcement, which you may already have seen on the Luton Town website over the weekend. As part of the Luton Town Youth Partnership forum, we have been fortunate to be able to makeuse of the pitch at Kenilworth Road for some of our League Cup Finals. Luton Town will kindly be hosting the Under 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 & 18 League Cup Finals over the weekend of 21st, 22nd & 23rd May. I attach with this email a press release which contains further details and also lists the kick off times. Hopefully this will add an extra special touch to the day for those teams who are fortunate enough to reach the finals and we hope that as per previous years, the cup finals will be well supported.

I attach with this email a copy of the minutes from the League Management Committee Meeting in March. Please can you ensure that these are viewed and read and any actions are completed as soon as possible.

A large reminder for all clubs that they need to have a fully verified Child Welfare Officer in place for next season. Under FA rules, any club not having a CWO in place, will not be able to affiliate. Please do not run the risk of this happening to your club. If you need to appoint / train a CWO then please contact your local FA for details and remember time is running out.

Finally, the Football Association have announced that from next season, girls will be able to play 11-a-side football up to the Under 13 age group. A maximum of 4 girls per team will be allowed up to this age group (girls will then need to move into girls football at the Under 14 age group). I know that this season has not yet finished, but I am sure that there are plenty of people thinking and planning for next season so this will be something to consider.