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All Clubs, Players and Officials Following an extraordinary meeting of the Anglian Combination Committee, it was unanimously decided that the start date for league matches shall be put back until Saturday 29th August. The rationale behind this decision is to protect the welfare of players, officials and all associated with the match day, in what has been the driest and hottest July since records began in 1836. Most of our league Clubs pitches are grass and the ground conditions are extremely dry and pitches rock hard. Many friendlies have been cancelled with many injuries to players in games that have been played during the closed season. This was a very difficult decision to reach and one that will not please all Clubs, the same as the season starting normally on the 15th would generate many questions regarding the League's approach to player welfare. In addition, regardless of pitch conditions on the 29th August the season will start, otherwise there will be huge difficulty managing fixture congestion into the end of the season. The League accepts that clubs with 3G or watered pitches may feel frustrated at being without fixtures although the approach has to be fair to all Clubs. Clubs with 3G or watered pitches would benefit from two or three fixtures though the majority of Clubs would sit dormant. The League can confirm the Don Frost Cup is not affected by the 2 week delay as this is a charity cup played on 3G and does not constitute a League or Cup fixture. The Don Frost goes ahead this evening 7.30pm ko. This decision does not affect Norfolk Senior Cup matches scheduled for 22nd August, that will go ahead. As Chairman of the League I am happy to accept feedback on the League's decision and would further emphasise player welfare is paramount not just to the player but his family and Club. Dale Brown Chairman 7th Aug 2026 – at Long Stratton, England