THE South Devon Football League continues to buck the trend in adult Saturday football, writes Alastair Muirden.

At the annual general meeting held at Buckland Athletic, three new teams were voted into this growing competition by the current member clubs.

Signal Box Oak Villa have decided to test themselves against stronger opposition and will ply their trade in Division Two.

Meanwhile, Galmpton United have reformed an adult team after a three-year absence and will slot into Division Three and Division Four is the landing spot for Bere Alston United reserves.

The league will operate with 60 teams which is an increase of 11 from three years ago and cements its place as the second-largest football competition in the county.

In addition to the five divisions, the league will have seven cup competitions, one for each division and one for all reserve teams plus the Herald Cup, which is of course the league’s flagship knockout competition.

2,200 players will be registered up and down the divisions, chasing these various trophies, and the first up for grabs is the traditional season opener. The Torbay Clearance Services Charity Shield pits Herald Cup winners Waldon Athletic against Premier Division title holders Newton Abbot Spurs 2nd XI at Ipplepen Athletic on Friday, August 15.

This well-supported fixture is a great opportunity for the two sides whilst most other teams will need to wait for the official first weekend of fixtures in September.

Meanwhile, Dainton Park Golf Club was the venue for the league’s presentation evening and an array of trophies were handed out by sponsors.

As well as the divisional titles, sporting trophies were given to Beesands Rovers, Buckfastleigh Rangers, Paignton Saints, Paignton Villa and Broadhempston Utd. Alan Blake of Totnes and Dartington was recognised for 50 years of service to football in South Devon.