Although not in the same league as Hackney Marshes, Huntington Astro-turf is swiftly becoming the football Mecca of York.

The York Excel Sport U16 7-a-side league has completed it's first 3 fixtures with over 100 youngsters braving the elements to come down to Huntington Astro-turf on Friday Evenings to take part. Norfolk Enchants of Huntington School and Blue Army of Joseph Rowntree School are the only two teams to have a 100% record after their opening three games.

There has been a high standard of football shown by many of the players but its not just the results that are of importance.

The Elite League, set up by Dave Iddon, is a great opportunity for youngsters to play exciting, competitive football without the financial demands and time commitments of playing for a Sunday League team.

I myself, play for Old Shep, currently 3rd in the table. I was slightly disillusioned by junior football after spending many freezing Sunday mornings playing for a team who found it commonplace to lose 10 or more nil.

The thrill of being part of a team and playing football was something I never lost but the training commitments and morale sapping defeats were what eventually made me give up playing football.

I continued to watch my beloved Sheffield Wednesday, and enjoyed watching the skilful football poetry of the Premiership on TV, but I still had that hunger to make that big, meaty challenge or score that last minute equaliser which you can only get from playing competitive football.

So when the leaflet came in my register at school promoting the 7-a-side league, I knew it was for me.

The league has invigorated my love of playing football and I'm glad for the time the Excel Sport Youth Development team has put in to organise such a successful league for football loving lads like me.

For information about further sport schemes from Excel Sport contact Dave Iddon on 490585.

Updated: 09:21 Thursday, November 17, 2005