The article below was written for the Breachwood Times...
World governing body FIFA hope to impose a policy which would ensure all clubs field at least six homegrown players in their starting line-ups by 2010. But whilst European football chief Platini contends that this is unworkable under European law, local football team Breachwood Lion’s have implemented a similar policy for the last ten years.
Many may remember the Walden Rangers team that played at the Breachwood Recreation ground over a decade ago in n the South Midlands League. Originally Walden Rangers comprised of local players, but by the time of their demise there were no locals playing for them.
Many local youngsters who had enjoyed a kick about on the Rec over the years saw the opportunity to re-establish a local football team. Established in 1999 the team is now about start its tenth season in the Comet Stevenage Sunday League. The last ten years have produced a certain degree of success including Cup winning appearances at Stevenage Borough’s Ground.
The Club’s success is truly built on local players. Determined not to follow the path of Walden Rangers, The Club’s “Foreigner Rule” states that only five non local players are allowed to be signed and only three non local players can play at any one time. However such foreign players do have a friendly connection to the locality, usually being a friend of one or more players.
The age range of the players in the team over the last ten years has ranged from 16 to 49 enjoying a Community Spirit on and off the field.
A Local player is one who lives in or grew up in Breachwood Green and surrounding villages. Currently the majority of Local players come from Breachwood Green, Offley, Lilley, Tea Green and Kings Walden. Some Local players currently live outside the villages but were born in the village or enjoy a similar connection. The team is strengthened by a few “foreign” players coming from as far a field as Hitchin and Redbourn!
The team would also like to say thank you to the local support and sponsorship over the last ten years, including The Red Lion and Screwfast Ltd, and hopefully for the next ten years. There is also an open invitation for anyone wishing to join the squad and to help keep up competition for places. Potential new plays can call The Club’s Secretary David 07899 795017 or The Club’s Chairman George 07770 266663.
The teams news and results can be found at www.breachwoodlions.com
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