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Highland Pyramid


Burnie_man

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36 minutes ago, LongTimeLurker said:

Unlike the EoS and SoS setups the North Caledonian FA isn't directly affiliated to the SFA but is registered through the NoSFA. The junior and senior boundaries don't neatly match up as is also the case on Tayside.

I'm not sure about that particular point as the NoSFA doesn't have a website to check. The NCL page only mentions the North Caledonian FA. Then the 3 things are independent of each other on the SFA's register of competitions.

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9 minutes ago, AsimButtHitsASix said:

Would it not be wise for some reps from the East Region Junior as well to go along even if just to observe as it looks like some will need to head in that direction?

They may well be,one of the committee men from a NCL side keeps us in the loop,fingers crossed things are moving in the right direction north of the Tay,hopefully find out more soon.

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  • 3 weeks later...
2 hours ago, Robert James said:

 

An excellent article by Will Clark.

If the NRJFA also applies to join the pyramid, then the most obvious solution is that the NCL and the North Juniors form two separate Tier 6 leagues, thereby maintaining the existing geographical integrity between the two regions. A simple play-off for promotion to the Highland League would be required, IF/WHEN each of the two league's  champion clubs is an SFA Licence holder. Currently only Golspie Sutherland (NCL) and Banks O'Dee (NRJFA) are licensed.

Regarding relegation from the Highland League, clubs like Fort William, Clachnacuddin, Wick Academy,  Lossiemouth, Brora Rangers, would drop into the NCL. 

Whereas (if relegated from the HFL) clubs like , Turriff United, Formartine United, Inverurie Locos, would enter the North Juniors Premier League. 

Borderline HFL Clubs like Forres Mechanics, Strathspey Thistle, and Rothes would be asked to nominate (at the beginning of each season), which of the 2 leagues they would enter, if relegated  (as applies now for Lowland relegation to the EoSL or SoSL).

This is a golden opportunity for the SFA to progress/implement, a northern pyramid.  

From someone definitely in the know on Fitbanorth, also posts here occasionally. Hope he doesn't mind me posting it here.

Quote

The description above fairly accurately describes what is being discussed presently.

From an NCL standpoint, the development of Tier 6 in the North is much less about promotion/relegation than it is about the expansion of opportunity which it now affords to those regions in Scotland which are under-represented across Tiers 1-5. Especially the Islands and areas North of Inverness.

It could be the case that it's years before NCL clubs get to a point of 'readiness' in terms of being awarded an SFA license, let alone winning their league to be in with a chance -- but the opportunity has to be there in order to provide the incentive.

 

 

Edited by welshbairn
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IMO, there should be a regional set up for Dundee city,Angus,Aberdeen city and Aberdeenshire and then another for Moray and Highland below the HL.

Hopeful of things moving forward in the north now regarding a pyramid as junior fitba is more or less finito.

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14 hours ago, Jimmy Shaker said:

What's an Alex Marr. 

Update :

The North Caledonian League  has been in discussions with the SFA and the Highland League informally since mid-2019. Its existing clubs have confirmed their wish to join the pyramid at Tier 6, ideally from next season. This has been well covered in recent press articles, as above, including quotes from the NCL management, and the Highland League Secretary. The discussions have been described as positive, and encouraging. Relegation from, and promotion to, the Highland League, has been agreed in principle (only), and is subject to SFA licensing requirements.  As most posters know, currently only Golspie Sutherland (NCL) and Banks O'Dee (NRJFAA) are SFA Members/licence holders.

Four new clubs, Scourie (NW Sutherland), Loch Ness (Inverness District League), Nairn 'Development XI' (existing North Caley Association member), and Alness United (are returning to the NCL after taking a year out/caused by a loss of ground) , have applied to join for next season. 

There have also been some informal discussions with the NRJFA, on the basis that the North Juniors (Premier) could also join at Tier 6........alongside the NCL. This would recognise the geographical integrity of both leagues/associations in the north of Scotland, which is crucial because of the vastness of these two distinct regions, and climate considerations :

* north & west Highlands & Islands, city of Inverness, 7 Moray   (NCL clubs)

* north east of Scotland, Aberdeenshire, city of Aberdeen   (junior clubs)

If the Scottish pyramid is to become nationwide, then the above will be the best (only) way forward. Neither the North Juniors, nor the NCL clubs  have any interest in expanding into the other league's territory, and there is no "overlap", other than Nairn St Ninians Juniors. 

As far as I am aware, the NRJFA has not yet confirmed that it would accept this opportunity/ 'invitation' ? 

Edited by Robert James
typo
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On 03/04/2020 at 14:52, Whitburn Vale said:

IMO, there should be a regional set up for Dundee city,Angus,Aberdeen city and Aberdeenshire and then another for Moray and Highland below the HL.

Hopeful of things moving forward in the north now regarding a pyramid as junior fitba is more or less finito.

I agree with your views, but the situation regarding (north) Tayside's apparent reluctance to accept that its clubs/league, are currently part of the Highland Region, appears to have become a barrier to progress in extending the pyramid ?  Also none of its Dundee & Angus  clubs, are SFA licence holders at present. 

 Also, will the HFL/SLL boundary be revised, as requested by SPFL Brechin City (and others ?).

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5 hours ago, Robert James said:

I agree with your views, but the situation regarding (north) Tayside's apparent reluctance to accept that its clubs/league, are currently part of the Highland Region, appears to have become a barrier to progress in extending the pyramid ?  Also none of its Dundee & Angus  clubs, are SFA licence holders at present. 

 Also, will the HFL/SLL boundary be revised, as requested by SPFL Brechin City (and others ?).

Not for me RJ,there is already a large imbalance population wise between the LL area and HL area.

Brechin are at it plain and simple,they are in Northern Angus not northern Fife,the road links to the north are fantastic now and only gonna get better.

We shouldn't be co towing to them or anyone  else in Angus or Tayside.

Fair enough with border sides like Luncarty,Scone etc a wee bit of come and go is required but not for a club minutes drive away from the Aberdeenshire border!!!

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