Fifty years of football

The League Committee: back row (l-r): Keith Pinder, Les Fussey, Steve Page, John Suddards, Simon Trays; front row (l-r) Charles Tranmer, Brian Freeman, Kath Dawson, Angie Pepper, Paul Hamlett, Dave Frankland; (inset) Steve Antcliff

What has 400 teams in 27 different divisions and involves more than 5,000 players aged eight to 18?
It's the Hull Boys Sunday Football League, which will celebrate the end of its fiftieth season this year.
The league has helped to nurture soccer stars such as Dean Windass, Nick Barmby and England goalkeeper Paul Robinson.
But the biggest change has been the introduction of computers – the league's new website has had a million hits since it was set up last July.
"From an administration point of view, having a website and email has been invaluable when you're trying to organise hundreds of matches a week," said league secretary Keith Pindar.
"But no amount of technology can replace the care and devotion of hundreds of volunteers, including managers, coaches, first aiders and parents.
"It's that devotion which has made us part of local sporting history."
The league was originally started by a group of parents from west Hull who came together to form a committee.
As well as superb footballers, it has also produced referees including Richard West, now a FIFA assistant referee, and Carl Boyeson, a Premiership assistant referee.
Mr Pindar also paid tribute to Hull City Council because the majority of matches and training sessions take place on school pitches.

For more information, visit www.hbsfl.com or call Mr Pindar on (01302) 719711.