FOR the first time in its 47-year history, the Warrington Junior Football League will be running an indoor futsal league.

Saturday will see the first round of fixtures in the WJFL Winter League, which is being run in partnership with Wire Futsal.

The two bodies formed an official partnership earlier this year with the aim of developing futsal – an indoor, small-sided version of football using a heavier ball – in the town.

The WJFL is the UK’s second-largest junior football league, with almost 10,000 registered players.

League chairman Alan Sydall says they saw it fit to create an opening for youngsters to hone their skills even in poor weather over winter.

“It is the WJFL management committee’s role to do our utmost to ensure our players continue their development and enjoy their football,” he said.

“This opportunity will not only enable some of our players to continue playing when the weather is at its worst, but it will also introduce the players to the concept of futsal.

“We are very confident that the new winter league will be a success, and we look forward to working alongside Wire Futsal as the sport continues to increase in popularity throughout the local area.”

Fixtures will run until early February, while Wire Futsal will continue to run weekly player development sessions at venues across Warrington.

For more information, contact Karl Burns on karl@wirefutsal.com or follow @wirefutsal1 on Twitter.