NEWS that the Worcestershire Football Association want to introduce a Saturday amateur league in the county should be welcomed with open arms.

While Sunday leagues in the area appear in decent health, for too long the Saturday game has been struggling for numbers with teams looking elsewhere for competition.

In recent years, sides have defected to the Midland Combination and West Midlands leagues, leaving the Worcester and District Saturday Premier Division with just 10 teams.

It is a similar story in the Kidderminster League, with only 11 sides.

There are plenty of reasons behind the decline, predominantly social issues and more demands on people’s leisure time.

But there is still a place for Saturday parks football and the Worcestershire FA do not want to see it die out.

By moving to create a dedicated, stronger competition, which they hope will start for the 2014-15 season, they are taking a major step in addressing the situation.

They will need the support of clubs and individual leagues but, following a meeting at the University of Worcester last week, I understand the response has been positive.

Although it will take time to win everybody over, their efforts should be applauded.