PLANS for a new seven-a-side football league in Preston could become reality.

The Blackburn Community league is looking to set up a separate league for Preston next year after realising how much interest there is from local footballers.

Currently fifty-four teams take part in the Blackburn Community league which plays at Witton Park Astro-turf. Players from surrounding areas regularly take part with games being played on week nights.

The interest from Preston clubs was evident during this summer's Cancer Relief Football tournament, when for the first time more teams from Preston took part than any other area in the North West.

Ismail Esat of the Blackburn Community league told us, "We're all for Preston players turning up in Blackburn to play their games. But we can't accommodate more teams or players.

"Rather than turn teams down we thought it would be a good idea to have a 'Preston Community League'.

"There's real interest in Preston for the league and we intend to have members of the local community taking a leading role in the organisation."

The success of the league remains in the players control adds Ismail, "A major part of the success of any league is the behaviour of the players. You'll only get out of it what you put in. The first season will obviously be tough but I feel if players play in the spirit of the game they will reap the rewards."

Iqbal Bhai, who helped set up the Blackburn Community league in 1987 said, "Through the years Blackburn clubs have learned to add a certain level of discipline to their game. I hope clubs and players will give encouragement to some of the volunteers who will be helping organise the league."

Badre Alam Akubat said, "There is definitely a lot of local interest and I think with a good set-up the interest will increase."

It is hoped in the first season of the league ten teams will take part. The venue is yet to be finalised as ideally a Friday night is being sought.

Club entry fee for the full season will be £195 and £5 is required for the Lancashire Football Association (LFA) fee.

For further information on how you can enter and an application form call Asian Image on 01254 298263 or Ismail Esat on 07802 912700.