Robert James

Good scenarios, which could be applied in the Highland Pyramid for 2021/22. Things may need to change over 3+ years, as more clubs gain a licence . I understand that there will be a representative of each of the 3 Highland feeder leagues, on an updated pyramid 'committee'. Its' ongoing remit will be interesting.

The NCL is starting its 2021/22 season on Saturday 21st August, as agreed at its AGM.

It will be a busy 21/22 season, with league and cup games.

The North Caley League has cancelled its 2 remaining fixtures, owing to an increase in Covid cases across the Highlands. The NCL 2020/21 season is now complete with Golspie as Champions, and Alness United as Ness Cup & League 2 winners.

Thank you for your confirmation ? Has it published its structure ?

I hope that you are correct, but in my opinion it seems to be 'odd' that there has been no official announcement from any of the 3 leagues, that they will be playing at Tier 6 of the pyramid next season ? In a week's time, it will be 1st July 2021; merely 14 days before the 2021/22 season starts for some leagues. I would also have expected formal confirmation from the Highland League regarding the establishment of the north pyramid, including the promotion & relegation 'system'. The North Caley has had its AGM and its website now confirms Tier 6. The North Region Junior League is apparently holding its' AGM on 27th June, and will presumably do likewise. Is there any official news about the Midland (Junior) League, as yet ?

He will be missed. Presumably, no one interested in taking it on ?

Thank you for this information about the SFA Board.

SFA CUP Thank you for the update regarding the Scottish Cup format. Appreciated, as I had missed this. However, as yet I still haven't seen a list of all the newly proposed licensed clubs, especially those from the WoSL. Obviously I have read the posts from the various (EoSL) formal clubs who have been successful (subject to SFA ratification). That is why I referred to the SFA Board meeting (as per my earlier post). TIER 6 Yes I know the North Juniors & the NCL situation. However neither of these 2 leagues have officially announced their Tier 6 status, as they are waiting for formal SFA ratification, apparently to be confirmed at the same time as the 'new' Midland League. The "Non League Scotland" website, is therefore still showing these 3 leagues as "non pyramid".

If true, the SFA is leaving it very late to confirm (1) the North Tier 6 leagues , (2) the newly SFA licensed clubs, and (3) the revised format (and draw) for the format of the Preliminary Rounds of the Scottish. Someone on here has mentioned a July SFA AGM date, but that is surely too late, with most leagues starting in mid July. Perhaps there Is an SFA Board Meeting this month, in order to deal with the above issues ?

Thanks. Can it be assumed that the AGM 'cut off' date is 1st July ?

Doesn't the SFA normally confirm the clubs whose licensing was ratified, at its AGM yesterday ? Or has the system/timescale changed ? In addition to EoSL clubs, some ex-West juniors also applied for a licence, so it will be interesting to see how the Scottish Cup format will be amended. Euro exit for Scotland is very disappointing.

Do you know the date of the 'Midland' AGM ?

So where is the official announcement of the northern pyramid at tier 6 for 2021/22, twenty four hours after the SFA's AGM ?

The North Caledonian FA represents football in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, so it is possible for the northern islands (you mention) to join in the North Caley League. To date however, the position has been : Orkney FC has been a member of the NCL since 2014/15, during which time they have been champions once Lewis & Harris FC has played in a few of the North Caley cup competitions, albeit not in the last 2 seasons (there have been pandemic and ferry problems), and may participate again if these problems are resolved Shetland FC has also participated in the NCFA cup competition (cup winners once), but it is impractical given remote location and costs, to join the NCL Skye 'United' FC doesn't exist, and from a couple of discussions I've had with some Isle club officials (3 or 4 years ago) there was little on no interest. However, Pyramid Tier 6 may generate some intertest, and possibly sponsorship, in the near future (?). On the subject of Pyramid Tier 6 in the North, we should have confirmation of its' creation on Monday next.

When is the Midland League holding its AGM/EGM ?

GordonS I suggest that you ignore the Lurker. He has little or no grasp about football in the Highlands, and as far as I know, he has no NCL contacts. However he relishes irrelevant arguments, and apparently he thinks that he is never wrong ('tunnel vision'). As an aside, there are plenty of footballers in the north, who play both summer and winter football. For next season, the NCL has 12 clubs, requiring only 11 away matches, discounting any cup competitions. In my opinion, a "Skye United" should be able to attract sponsorship, if it played in a pyramid league, which would reduce costs..

I agree that Bonar have strengthened, which is good news. Looking ahead, with Tier 6 now being endorsed for 2021/22, it may attract other clubs to join the NCL in future. One other club did enquire about joining for 2021/22, but decided not to go ahead with an application (yet). Bunillidh Thistle are not returning in 2021/22, but have retained their North Caley membership, and may return the following year. Also, will Tier 6 encourage an Isle of Skye "United" team, to test itself in senior (winter) football ? There are certainly enough Skye footballers, to be competitive in the NCL, and participation in the "pyramid" could attract sponsorship for 2022/23.

I was disappointed that Lewis & Harris FC seem unlikely to re-enter one of the NCA's cup competitions during 2021/22. However in not doing so, your suggestion that some of the L&H boys could be invited to add to Scourie's pool of players, is a good idea.

The dog walkers are barking up the wrong tree ! Also congratulations to Golspie Sutherland who are the NCL champions for 2020/21, as Thurso defeated Invergordon today.

Absolutely ! Coldstream worked closely with the local council, which is something that Invergordan, and other clubs can/should do. Having been to Home Park on match days, I can't see why a similar arrangement couldn't apply to several other clubs at this level. It is a pity that NCL club Bunillidh Thistle are in abeyance for 2021/22. Is this because the damage to their changing facilities has not yet been repaired ?

Very frustrating isn't it. University of the Highlands & Islands facility ??

Pure speculation on my part, but in addition to Golspie, the following NCL clubs could consider licensing over the next 3 years (or so) : Alness Utd : have an excellent youth setup, and have secured a new ground at the academy Thurso FC : if the club secures a long term lease at the 'Dammies' . (The town has a population, which is equivalent to, or higher than, several existing HFL clubs) Halkirk Utd : already have 2 modern covered stands St Duthus : another ambitious club, and a ground which could be enclosed without much difficulty Invergordon : enclosing the ground shouldn't be a major problem. and then of course we have : Loch Ness : although I doubt if they have an agreed/ongoing groundshare arrangement at Canal Street (?) + Fort William (already licensed) if/when the club is relegated to the NCL. Gaining approval for, and funding the purchase & installation of floodlights, is a stumbling block for NCL and Junior clubs, alike.

The granting of Tier 6 (when confirmed) will encourage some ambitious clubs in all 3 leagues in the Highland Pyramid, to start planning for an SFA licence. Expect the current number of licensed clubs (1 in North Juniors, 1 in NCL, and 0 in Midland Juniors), to at least double within the next 3 years.

If in the future, the EoSL decides to regionalise its lowest Tier, there may be renewed interest in clubs like Duns, Eyemouth, Selkirk, Kelso, Melrose, (re)joining the pyramid, but I agree that this is unlikely in the short/medium term. This is a shame as watching border football, and visiting these towns, is always is enjoyable experience.