TWO Ryedale football teams have won the right to play in a York junior league - after being excluded because they were too far away.

Old Malton FC and Helmsley-based Duncombe Park FC were told they could enter the York British Sugar Minor League at the league's annual general meeting, following the intervention of Ryedale MP and shadow sports minister, John Greenway.

Following the league's decision to change its mind, Mr Greenway said he thought the sensible course of action had been taken.

He said: "I am absolutely delighted and I think common sense prevailed. One of the things I am discovering as shadow minister for sport is the serious decline in competitive sport for young people.

"These boys want to play and they should be allowed to play. They should enhance the league and I am looking forward to seeing how they do."

Mr Greenway had originally branded as "ludicrous" the league's decision to deny the teams the chance to play in the competition.

This year, both Old Malton and Duncombe Park were in the under-12s York Mitchell League and, despite being beyond the mileage barrier, were given the right to play.

However, when originally applying to the York British Sugar League, which operates in a radius of 15 miles around York, their bid was turned down.

Mr Greenway's help was enlisted by Duncombe Park secretary Steve Skelton, who expressed outrage that football in rural areas was under threat.

Following the meeting, at which the two clubs put forward their cases, Mr Skelton said he was "delighted" by the league's change of heart.

He said that he wanted to express his thanks to the league committee for making the decision to allow his side to take part in the league.

Brooklyn (Norton) and Pickering under-13s already play in the York British Sugar Minor League, but, despite being beyond the mileage boundary, they were allowed entry because they were founder members.

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