THE Blackburn Sunday League is inviting teams to join its new under 19s division aimed to bridge the gap between junior and senior football.

The league has been given special sanctions from the Lancashire FA to introduce the age group and so far, officials say there has been a keen interest.

The Blackburn Sunday League is aiming to expand to include the new age group from next season with an aim of helping to halt the number of young players being lost to the game.

The aim is also to encourage long-established junior clubs to join the ranks of senior football.

“The response has been very positive,” said Bill Maynard (right), the league’s fixture and results secretary.

“We are at the stage now where we need teams to apply for a place in the league as soon as possible so that we can plan ahead and work out how many extra venues would be needed.”

Any clubs interested in joining should contact Pete Fryer, 20 Brother Street, Blackburn, BB2 4PR, enclosing a £20 deposit or for further information contact Bill Maynard 078137 33595 or email: bilsan@ hotmail.co.uk The league are also taking applications for the senior league for season 2013/2014.

n The draw for the Blackburn Sunday League Blue and White Rosebowl quarter finals has been made.

Holders Mill Hill or New Gardeners will face either Ossy Hotspur or AMT Lawyers.

The rest of the draw sees Helmshore Harriers v Bee Hive, Intack v Longshaw, Clifton v Great Harwood Rovers or JQ Plumbing Ties to be be played over the weekends of February 24 and March 3.