Over-30s proved a winner – Mel Eves

The Beacon Sunday League introduced an over 30 section last season and the age group enabled many players to get back into the game, for some after hanging up their boots a few year ago.

With more clubs in this age group expected the join the Beacon ranks for the 2020/21 campaign, Eves, league president since its formation in 1977, closed its first ever virtual annual meeting by saying: "It's (over 30s) been a great initiative, so well done to the league for that.

"It's always been a honour and privilege to be president of the league and I know from talking to other people that the league is held in high esteem. I hope it goes from strength to strength."

League chairman Brian Lester was also delighted with the introduction of over 30s football, adding: "It was a big plus for us and puts the Beacon League at the forefront of innovation in the area. I can only see positive things on the horizon for our league."

Like all grassroots football the Beacon league's programme was brought to a premature close, due to the Covid19 pandemic, in March with the final league placings in the two league sections being decided on a points per game basis.

The meeting confirmed that three outstanding cup competitions would be completed prior to the 2020/21 kick off. The flagship Lester Charity, Chell and Clinton cups have also reached the semi-final stages.

General secretary David Clinton also confirmed that the league would be waiving annual team subscriptions for new (£70) and existing (£50) teams for next season.

The league's 2019/20 roll of honour is:

Concentric Sales & Lettings Beacon Championship: Winners - Claregate Park Rangers 2nds; runners-up - Sedgley & Gornal United.

Paycare Development Division: Winners - CTS United; joint runners-up - Dudley Park Rangers United and Wyrley Athletic.

Roger Brindley Memorial Cup: Winners - Wednesbury Athletic; runners-up - Springvale Vets.

Fair Play award: Winners - Championship, Codsall Station; Development Division, FC Premier and Wyrley Athletico.

Secretary of the Year: Roger Martin (Trysull Tigers); New Secretary of Year: Neil Bradnick (Boca Seniors O30).

Leading goalscorers: Championship - Rizwan Akhtar (Shere Punjab Wolves) 15; Development Division: Owen Harris (AFC Sporting Gornal) 29.

Referee of the Year: James Clements.

Any teams looking to join the Beacon Sunday League ranks for next season, should call David Clinton on 07964 730275.