North region junior football could resume in November with one-off regionalised divisions - but four clubs may not take part
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NORTH junior football could kick off this season with a regionalised mini leagues set-up.
But four clubs are set to sit things out if the campaign gets under way on November 21 as planned.
A proposal has been put forward to split all clubs into four geographical areas, each playing a shortened league campaign starting in January.
The Grill League Cup would also be contested as a curtain raiser for the season.
The North Region Junior FA's management committee revealed their plan as a one-off option for clubs to take part in competitions within Covid-19 safety guidelines.
All matches would be played behind closed doors and changing rooms would not be made available, similar to what is going on at SPFL level this term.
Superleague side Montrose Roselea have rejected the opportunity to play, and have claimed that three other teams do not want to be involved.
Dufftown, Fraserburgh United and Spey Valley United are the three clubs understood to be unwilling to play in the regional divisions.
However the North Region have left the door open for all clubs to make a decision early in 2021 if they have a change of heart and want to play in the league programme.
From the remaining 28 clubs keen to play, four sections of seven clubs would play 12 league matches in total starting in January.
The Grill Cup competition would see groups of four and three teams from within the same league regions kick off the campaign on November 21.
Buckie Rovers had already elected to sit out the season during the summer, due to a lack of committee members.
If Dufftown also choose not to play this term, a north division would be contested by Nairn St Ninian, Forres Thistle, Burghead Thistle, New Elgin, Islavale, Deveronside and Whitehills.
A Banff and Buchan section would contain newcomers Rothie Rovers as well as Buchanhaven Hearts, Colony Park, Cruden Bay, Ellon United, Longside and Maud.
An Aberdeen City (south) league would include Aberdeen University, Banchory St Ternan, Banks o' Dee, Culter, Glentanar, Stonehaven and Sunnybank
And in Aberdeen City (north) there would be East End, Bridge of Don Thistle, Dyce Juniors, Hall Russell United, Hermes, Newmachar United and Stoneywood Parkvale.
There would be no promotion or relegation, with the aim of reverting to the Superleague and Divisions 1 and 2 for the 2021-22 campaign.
The plan would also see each group winner and runner-up advance to a play-off schedule to determine the eventual north region champions.
Montrose Roselea said on their Facebook account they "were not feeling comfortable with a return to competitive football in November" but may still explore an option to re-join the action in February.
"The fact that we have to travel on average for an hour in cars to matches will make it very uncomfortable if travelling home from matches in the winter months," said a club spokesperson.
"Changing rooms and showers won't be allowed for the foreseeable future and that is one of the main reasons for our decision. This was put to the players and they did not feel it was practical.
"The door is open for us to re-join competitive football at the end of January and we feel that is the best choice for us."
