Sheppey youth football teams will be able to join a local league next season for the first time in around 20 years.

The Sheppey Sunday League have decided to run a youth section alongside their already thriving senior competition for teams across Swale.

Since the Swale Youth League closed in the early 1990s, teams have been competing in leagues in Faversham, Maidstone and Medway.

It is the first time in the Sheppey Sunday League’s 44-year history they have organised a youth section and it will be ready for 2010/11.

Secretary Mark Rogers is now hoping teams from the area join.

"It’s down to the people now if they want it," he said. "We’ve given them this opportunity and hopefully the response will be positive.

"We’re ready to go. We’ve had a good response from the teams but the proof of the pudding will be when people sign on that dotted line."

Divisions for age groups from under-7s to under-18s will be introduced with organisers hoping for at least two divisions in each.

The Sheppey Sunday League will be holding a meeting at the Conservative Club in Sheerness on Wednesday, February 3 from 7.30pm to inform clubs of their intentions. Clubs will then be given the opportunity to sign up.

Clubs wishing to attend the meeting can contact Mark Rogers on 07554 795119 or by email marklisarogers@aol.com.