Football: Young ones set to enjoy Premier status

The kids are all right - or at least they will be from next season, when the FA Premier Youth League begins.

The League, open to under-18s, will embrace all current Premier League members, as well as clubs recently relegated. It will complement the "Charter for Quality" programme published this month by the Football Association's technical director, Howard Wilkinson.

Clubs will play no more than 30 fixtures a season and matches will take place on approved first-class pitches and be refereed by experienced officials.

"I am delighted the FA Premier League has shown the vision to take responsibility for youth-team football at the highest level," Wilkinson said yesterday. "The development is in line with my Charter and will lead to greater quality in the years to come."

Premiership clubs in London and the south will continue to field teams in the South-East Counties League. Clubs who enter the Premier Youth League are likely to use SECL matches for first-year trainees and outstanding younger players.