Under 11 non participation in ELE Cup

Young Guns Under 11's will not be competing in the ELE Cup this year 2008. Because 1 of our fixtures in the 4 team group was scheduled to take place on April 13th, which we can not make because we are on Tour, the ELE League had stated that we would therefore have to forfeit the match, though our scheduled match in the Rural Friendly League has been put back to accommodate our participation in the Isle of Wight Soccer Festival.

When we booked the Tour, we knew there was a good chance that it would conincide with the Cup but didnt think this would present a problem as in last years competition, our match with Junior Hammers was postponed because they themselves were on Tour.

After appealling the Leagues decision, using the precedent set by Hammers last season, our appeal to have the game postponed and put back a week has failed, with the League stating that within their rules, it states that if a Team is on Tour then they must forfeit their scheduled game at that time. The fact that last season Hammers cup match was postponed for that very reason, has no bearing on this years competition and this should not have been allowed last year. Instead what should have happened is that we should have been given last years game. The fact that we were not is now being investigated by the League, though of course there is no compensation or recourse for ourselves.

Whilst taking the above into consideration, we felt we had a very strong case, unfortunately the League have rejected our appeal on the basis that a breach of rules in a previous season does not warrant a similar breach for any subsequent seasons. The League did ask our opponents whilst we are away Interwood, if they would play the match either the week before or the week after, which they declined.

In view of this, Young Guns FC, in the interests of fair play to the other competing Teams in our group, Bush Hill and Asianos, felt it only right to pull out of the Competition altogether, meaning the 3 remaining teams have an equal chance of progression to the semi-finals.

Whilst we are disappointed at not having the opportunity to compete for this years Cup, current form would suggest we were among the favorites, we accept the decision of the ELE League and now consider the matter closed.

We wish all TEAMS competing in the Cup a successful Competition.