IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR CLUBS IN THE BORDER LEAGUE RE: MEFL Merger

PLEASE SEE MESSAGE BELOW REGARDING THE BORDER LEAGUE

Following our earlier emails we promised to keep you updated in relation to the proposed merger with the Mid Essex League. The Border League committee remain fully committed to this and wish keep you fully updated on our ongoing discussions.

We will be holding a special general meeting in early March to give you more information and you will be able to vote on the admission of the other clubs as well as officers at the AGM. As soon at a date and venue are secured we will let you know the details.

In the meantime we want you to be aware of the current thinking and discussions.

The key feedback issues seem to be focussed on the concern regarding geography, and the potential requirement for regionalisation.

The ESBL only has 3 teams in the Suffolk area, the majority of the Clubs are located in Essex.

The Essex County F.A provided us with a mapping illustration of the location of all Clubs in both competitions which has allowed both Management Committees to provide an initial outline of any proposed combined competition.

The initial plan is as follows

Retention of the existing ESBL Premier (including National Feeder League Status), Divisions One and Two. Divisions 3 and 4 to have two divisions North and South. As yet we cannot outline which Divisions each team will be allocated into.

Other points for consideration

1. Rules – Since both competitions operate in line with the standard code of rules, we do not anticipate the need to apply many rule changes. Our ESBL Premier Division has a requirement for roped off pitches. The other Divisions requirements for pitches and changing room requirements are in line with current MEFL rules

2. MEFL Committee representation within the ESBL – Whilst we have yet to formalise this, the Management Committee of any proposed merged competition will include representation from the MEFL, to ensure continuity is retained for both leagues. To illustrate the commitment to this we are delighted to tell you that Andy Chaplin has been formally appointed as (Interim) Vice Chairman of the ESBL

3. Cups – It is important that the history of both leagues is retained and this is recognised. In this regard we are proposing to continue with the existing ESBL cup programme as well as both the (MEL) Dave Strachan and Patrons Plate competitions

4. Finances – The funds held by the MEFL is to be ring fenced since this is Members funds. We have a number of proposals but welcome MEL Clubs contribution to what we do with these funds.

For instance
a. Used to pay Clubs registrations fees for season 2026-2027, only for those Clubs who enter the new merged competition
b. Provide teams with first aid kits
c. Footballs for season 2026-2027

These are the initial ideas but welcome Clubs feedback on any additional ideas regarding this or any other aspects of the merger going forward.

As you can see from the above we have made some really good progress but to continue with our conversations we welcome your feedback and observations. Particularly if we have missed anything crucial!

We welcome any feedback on proposed changes.

Please send comments to me via email preferably before the league meeting.

Alison Stanford

esblsec@icloud.com