TWO of Essex's long-standing grassroots football leagues have merged.
The Essex and Suffolk Border League, competing at Step 7 of the National Football League system, has amalgamated with the long-standing Mid Essex Football League.
At more than 125 years old, the Mid Essex League is one of the oldest football leagues in the world, having provided grassroots football for thousands of players and officials in the county since its formation in 1898.
The merger was approved at last month's Border League’s Annual General Meeting.
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It follows discussions aimed at creating a clearer pathway to the top division of the regional feeder league pyramid without the need to have to apply to a new competition.
The merger is with a view to strengthen the structure available to Essex's grassroots clubs.
Formal talks began in December between Mid Essex League chairman Andy Chaplin, the Essex and Suffolk Border League chairman John Campany and officers from both competitions.
The discussions identified a strong alignment between the leagues, with the merger sanctioned at the Border League AGM and finalised with the Essex County FA's support.
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Essex County FA and FA Council member Andy Chaplin said: “It is important that we support our grassroots clubs across Essex.
"The Mid Essex Football League has been a major institution in Saturday open-age football for more than 100 years, but as we modernise the game, it was recognised that working with another competition with similar values and a shared vision was the right way forward.
“Aligning with the Essex & Suffolk Border League provides a single, supportive pathway and structure.
"By bringing together the resources, skills and knowledge within both competitions, we can help develop and deliver football across the whole county of Essex, which is the longer-term ambition.”
Andy Chaplin has been elected vice-chairman, while Jim Culleton, a long-serving Mid Essex League figure, accepted the life president role.
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