ASPIRING CLUBS TARGET NATIONAL LEAGUE

The National League is proving more popular than ever, with eight teams inquiring so far about possible membership in 2005.

In 2003, Division Three was down to just six teams – and at the end of that season, one of those withdrew. This year, however, the introduction of Basingstoke, Bristol University, Jersey and Scottish champions Portobello has boosted the third tier to nine clubs – and there is now every prospect of returning to a full complement of ten next year.

Record season for club participation in the National League was 1988, when 35 teams took part in four divisions.

Interested clubs are reminded that applications for 2005 close on 31 December 2004.