Elland and Irish withdraw

Elland United and Halifax Irish Centre have withdrawn from the Halifax AFL, it was announced at this week's annual general meeting of the league.
Actions from the Halifax FA Cup, Hebden Royd Red Star v Elland United at Midgley Road, Mytholmroyd
Pictured is Elland, Carlton Balmer, Matthew Cook, Mark Kelsey, Michael Hickenbotham, Vaughan Boom, Jordan Burnham, Paul Bradbury - manager, Neil Kelsey - assist mgr, Karl Amos, Damien Nichols, Joshua Prestage, Ricky Thomas, Lee Goodall and Richard RichardsonActions from the Halifax FA Cup, Hebden Royd Red Star v Elland United at Midgley Road, Mytholmroyd
Pictured is Elland, Carlton Balmer, Matthew Cook, Mark Kelsey, Michael Hickenbotham, Vaughan Boom, Jordan Burnham, Paul Bradbury - manager, Neil Kelsey - assist mgr, Karl Amos, Damien Nichols, Joshua Prestage, Ricky Thomas, Lee Goodall and Richard Richardson
Actions from the Halifax FA Cup, Hebden Royd Red Star v Elland United at Midgley Road, Mytholmroyd Pictured is Elland, Carlton Balmer, Matthew Cook, Mark Kelsey, Michael Hickenbotham, Vaughan Boom, Jordan Burnham, Paul Bradbury - manager, Neil Kelsey - assist mgr, Karl Amos, Damien Nichols, Joshua Prestage, Ricky Thomas, Lee Goodall and Richard Richardson

Elland were Premier Division champions in 2009-10 and Challenge Cup winners in 2011-2012.

They and Irish both informed the league that they had folded with a shortage of players a key factor.

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Both sides played in the middle section of the AFL in the latest season. Elland finished seventh and Irish, who have struggled for the last few years, were bottom.

It was far from all doom and gloom, however, with FC Ovenden, Ivy House, Junction Inn (Rastrick) and Plummet Line all voted into the league.

The AFL is looking for a new league sponsor and backer for its main knockout competition, the Challenge Cup.

Carol and Michael Sheppard were thanked by chairman Paul Throp for their sponsorship of the league over the past five years.

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Mohammed Seraj of Skircoat Green Physiotherapy was also thanked after the completion of his sponsorship deal for the cup.

A decision as to which teams will play in which divisions next season will be announced by the end of July.

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