jamamafegan Posted June 19, 2020 Share Posted June 19, 2020 Been a while since I checked on this thread, delighted to hear that the NCL could be in place for next season (should it go ahead.) Really exciting times. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robert James Posted June 20, 2020 Author Share Posted June 20, 2020 On 19/06/2020 at 06:24, jamamafegan said: Been a while since I checked on this thread, delighted to hear that the NCL could be in place for next season (should it go ahead.) Really exciting times. Tomorrow is the proposed date for the ('virtual') North Caledonian League's 2020 AGM. Three new clubs have applied to join the NCL, and Alness Utd are returning after a one year absence. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welshbairn Posted June 21, 2020 Share Posted June 21, 2020 Hopefully @NiallFH could give us a wee update on new members, pyramid and plans for starting the new season after the AGM? Probably won't see this though unless he gets notifications sent to his phone. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LongTimeLurker Posted June 21, 2020 Share Posted June 21, 2020 He has been talking up the advent of tier 6 this weekend: And the North Caledonian FA retweeted it. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LongTimeLurker Posted June 21, 2020 Share Posted June 21, 2020 Just in case there is still any doubt after the confusion FWF created: https://www.johnogroat-journal.co.uk/sport/highland-league-could-see-promotion-and-relegation-196058/ ...But Houston believes that if clubs have the ambition to enter the Highland League they will strive to meet those aims. For a club to promoted into the Highland League or the Lowland League, they have to meet their criteria for membership. “To be a member of the Highland League, you have to have an entry level licence and be a member of the Scottish FA," he said... 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sherrif John Bunnell Posted June 21, 2020 Share Posted June 21, 2020 (edited) Three new teams confirmed. Alness also confirmed to return and league to split into two divisions temporarily. http://northcaleyfa.co.uk/news_article.php?id=110 Edited June 21, 2020 by Sherrif John Bunnell 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray Patterson Posted June 22, 2020 Share Posted June 22, 2020 Two Division Split is a smart idea. Stops teams getting pasted 10-0 every week and allows the new/returning teams to settle in to the NCL for next season. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FairWeatherFan Posted June 22, 2020 Share Posted June 22, 2020 Macleod & MacCallum North Caledonian League Division 1 Golspie Sutherland, Halkirk United, Invergordon, Orkney, St. Duthus, Thurso Macleod & MacCallum North Caledonian League Division 2 Alness United, Bonar Bridge, Bunillidh Thistle, Inverness Athletic, Loch Ness, Nairn County 'A', Scourie 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluearmyfaction Posted June 22, 2020 Share Posted June 22, 2020 And so the colt team invasion begins... 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LongTimeLurker Posted June 22, 2020 Share Posted June 22, 2020 57 minutes ago, bluearmyfaction said: And so the colt team invasion begins... ...once tier 6 status for the NCL is ratified. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welshbairn Posted June 22, 2020 Share Posted June 22, 2020 (edited) Gives the impression they're not very optimistic of starting up any time soon. Edited June 22, 2020 by welshbairn 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dev Posted June 22, 2020 Share Posted June 22, 2020 (edited) http://northcaleyfa.co.uk/news_article.php?id=110 NCFA AGM - new members and league structure Posted on Sunday, June 21st, 2020 The league management committee of the North Caledonian Football Association held their Annual General Meeting via online video conference on the evening of Sunday 21 June 2020. With representation from all member clubs, and three new clubs seeking membership, proceedings began when Mr Iain Whitehead was duly re-elected as League President, with Mr Euain Penny also reassuming his role as Vice President. Mr Penny also took up the role of Treasurer, while Mr Sandy Stephen was re-elected as league secretary, and Mr Niall Harkiss was re-elected as competition secretary. The clubs seeking membership for the 2020-21 season were Loch Ness F.C., Nairn County F.C. 'A' and Scourie F.C.. Following proposals from each candidate club, all were accepted into the association without objection. Existing members Alness United also confirmed that they will resume participation from 2020-21. The league management committee unanimously agreed that for the 2020-21 season only, member clubs would be divided into a two-tier league programme with new/returning clubs joining the bottom tier. The divisions were determined as follows: Macleod & MacCallum North Caledonian League Division 1 Golspie Sutherland, Halkirk United, Invergordon, Orkney, St. Duthus, Thurso Macleod & MacCallum North Caledonian League Division 2 Alness United, Bonar Bridge, Bunillidh Thistle, Inverness Athletic, Loch Ness, Nairn County 'A', Scourie After all fixtures are played, the Division 1 winning club shall be named North Caledonian League champions, and a trophy (to be determined) shall be awarded to the Division 2 winning club. It was agreed that the league would return to one division for the 2021-22 season. The management committee agreed to reconvene at a later date to add cup competitions to the schedule if the season calendar allows. League secretary Sandy Stephen said, "The two-tiered league structure and the reduced schedule presents us with a variety of options depending on when the season can get going. If it is sooner than expected and we do finish the league campaign early, we have the option of scheduling one of our cup competitions to add to the calendar." "Moreover, having a schedule to work towards now allows our member clubs to plan financially during this difficult time." A two tier structure could reduce the pre and end of season overlap with the amateur leagues in the area. Maybe more clubs will come forward for 2021/22 as it would be easier to start off in a lower division and if the league joins the Pyramid? Edited June 22, 2020 by Dev ... 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craigkillie Posted June 22, 2020 Share Posted June 22, 2020 It says in the article that this is just a one-off and they're planning to go back to a single tier for 2021/22. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robert James Posted June 22, 2020 Author Share Posted June 22, 2020 51 minutes ago, Dev said: http://northcaleyfa.co.uk/news_article.php?id=110 NCFA AGM - new members and league structure Posted on Sunday, June 21st, 2020 The league management committee of the North Caledonian Football Association held their Annual General Meeting via online video conference on the evening of Sunday 21 June 2020. With representation from all member clubs, and three new clubs seeking membership, proceedings began when Mr Iain Whitehead was duly re-elected as League President, with Mr Euain Penny also reassuming his role as Vice President. Mr Penny also took up the role of Treasurer, while Mr Sandy Stephen was re-elected as league secretary, and Mr Niall Harkiss was re-elected as competition secretary. The clubs seeking membership for the 2020-21 season were Loch Ness F.C., Nairn County F.C. 'A' and Scourie F.C.. Following proposals from each candidate club, all were accepted into the association without objection. Existing members Alness United also confirmed that they will resume participation from 2020-21. The league management committee unanimously agreed that for the 2020-21 season only, member clubs would be divided into a two-tier league programme with new/returning clubs joining the bottom tier. The divisions were determined as follows: Macleod & MacCallum North Caledonian League Division 1 Golspie Sutherland, Halkirk United, Invergordon, Orkney, St. Duthus, Thurso Macleod & MacCallum North Caledonian League Division 2 Alness United, Bonar Bridge, Bunillidh Thistle, Inverness Athletic, Loch Ness, Nairn County 'A', Scourie After all fixtures are played, the Division 1 winning club shall be named North Caledonian League champions, and a trophy (to be determined) shall be awarded to the Division 2 winning club. It was agreed that the league would return to one division for the 2021-22 season. The management committee agreed to reconvene at a later date to add cup competitions to the schedule if the season calendar allows. League secretary Sandy Stephen said, "The two-tiered league structure and the reduced schedule presents us with a variety of options depending on when the season can get going. If it is sooner than expected and we do finish the league campaign early, we have the option of scheduling one of our cup competitions to add to the calendar." "Moreover, having a schedule to work towards now allows our member clubs to plan financially during this difficult time." A two tier structure could reduce the pre and end of season overlap with the amateur leagues in the area. Maybe more clubs will come forward for 2021/22 as it would be easier to start off in a lower division and if the league joins the Pyramid? Welcome to the 3 new clubs, Loch Ness, Scourie, & Nairn County "A", in addition to AGM confirmation that Alness Utd are returning, after a one year absence. Given doubts about when the 2020/21 season will commence, splitting into 2 divisions, is the ideal solution, which is stated as being for one season only, on the assumption that the pandemic will be under control by 2021/22. The NCL also has the option/flexibility of playing one (or more ?) of its annual cup competitions, if fixtures permit. If so, it also gives existing Member club Lewis & Harris FC the (ongoing) opportunity to participate in the cup competition(s), as it has done for the last 5 years, or so. * * * * The above would be an option for the South of Scotland League, and for the remaining junior leagues, to consider. Just a thought. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welshbairn Posted June 22, 2020 Share Posted June 22, 2020 2 minutes ago, craigkillie said: It says in the article that this is just a one-off and they're planning to go back to a single tier for 2021/22. Aye, just gives them flexibility and a minimum of games they need to budget for re sponsorship etc. If they can start up early they'll sort out a cup competition to add to the fixtures. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dev Posted June 22, 2020 Share Posted June 22, 2020 Clearly it says that the new structure is temporary - but what occurs to me is that, together with joining the Highland League's Pyramid, this could encourage additional clubs from the area to reconsider what they do in the future. This has the possibility to bring about extra interest in time, even, for 2021/22 and, who knows, retention of two divisions. If nothing-else the two divisions should help the better sides play more competitive matches during the season and, likewise, those in Division Two shouldn't receive so many big defeats. Another thing is that this could remove the long-standing season over-lap and shared players situation with the areas Amateur Leagues which play in the Summer. That could also help the NCL. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cyclizine Posted June 22, 2020 Share Posted June 22, 2020 Good news. No surprises with the admitted clubs and a welcome return, as expected, for Alness. Sensible decision to split the league as well given the uncertainties about next season. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacksgranda Posted June 22, 2020 Share Posted June 22, 2020 4 hours ago, Robert James said: Welcome to the 3 new clubs, Loch Ness, Scourie, & Nairn County "A", in addition to AGM confirmation that Alness Utd are returning, after a one year absence. Given doubts about when the 2020/21 season will commence, splitting into 2 divisions, is the ideal solution, which is stated as being for one season only, on the assumption that the pandemic will be under control by 2021/22. The NCL also has the option/flexibility of playing one (or more ?) of its annual cup competitions, if fixtures permit. If so, it also gives existing Member club Lewis & Harris FC the (ongoing) opportunity to participate in the cup competition(s), as it has done for the last 5 years, or so. * * * * The above would be an option for the South of Scotland League, and for the remaining junior leagues, to consider. Just a thought. Long way to travel, imho. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray Patterson Posted June 22, 2020 Share Posted June 22, 2020 44 minutes ago, Jacksgranda said: Long way to travel, imho. Orkney to Creetown away would certainly be an Interesting Scottish Cup First Preliminary Round Tie 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GordonS Posted June 22, 2020 Share Posted June 22, 2020 1 hour ago, ArabAuslander said: Orkney to Creetown away would certainly be an Interesting Scottish Cup First Preliminary Round Tie I'm praying for Scourie v Tweedmouth. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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