Sad day for grassroots football as Park United withdraw

The North Devon Football League has suffered a major setback with the news that Park United have decided to withdraw from the competition.

Local football continues to struggle with maintaining clubs and the loss of Park United is the highest profile departure from the NDFL. Park won the Brayford Cup last season and were runners-up in the NDFL Premier League and the Devon FA Premier Cup.

The club statement read: “A decision has been made by PUFC to withdraw the club from the North Devon Football League with immediate effect. The club will cease to exist.

Founded 18 years ago by Peter Yarde et al, and achieving numerous trophies throughout all divisions, including being crowned Devon Champions Cup winners in 2022. The club has achieved far more than ever thought possible.

A number of long-term injuries, players moving away from the area and a few moving on, and some just being too old, meant the club was starting the season with eight committed full-time players. Often least season, despite reaching a Devon Cup final, we only had 11 players available for games.

The club would like to go on record as thanking the North Devon Football League and all other teams, referees, managers, coaches, players, secretaries and volunteers, who work so hard to keep grassroots football alive.

A special mention to Peter Yarde, Adam Eley, Mark Hill, Phillip Kelly, Mark Newman, Ricky Marinaro and Malc Skinner, who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes at various points over the last 18 years. I’m sure we have forgot some.

Good luck to all teams competing this season.”

Park United will be sorely missed.