ASTON VILLA midfielder Gareth Barry is backing a new six-a-side football league kicking off in Newcastle next month. The FA affiliated over-16 Proleagues will be based at the city’s Royal Grammar School and run every Sunday between 2pm and 4pm. Teams entering should expect to pay £2.50 per player for 30-minute matches, competing for a vast array of awards including trophies and cash for winners and runners-up, Player of the Season awards and a Fair Play League. Teams will also have the opportunity to travel around the country facing teams from leagues all over England in the Proleagues’ National Cup. England ace Barry (pictured) said: “The leagues operated by Proleagues appear to be very well organised. “Having visited one of their leagues I was impressed by the organisation and professionalism.” All matches are officiated by qualified referees and all equipment provided. Spokesperson Matt Scoffham said: “The league has been organised for the benefit of the local community and the vast array of awards is sure to prove popular with teams. “Gareth Barry will be presenting trophies at the end of the season if he is free from playing commitments.” --------------------------------------------------------- GUIDE POST Juniors FC have received a £8,900 cash boost from the Football Foundation, the UK’s largest sports charity. The funding will enable the Northumberland club to initiate their three-year development plan, which involves fielding boys’ teams from under-eight to under-17 level and girls from under-10 to under-12 level. Club secretary Stew Pringle said: “We are delighted by this award, which will allow us to fund new teams and increase opportunities for local children to play football.” | 
