Clubs in Cumbria have until Tuesday January 15 to apply to join the counties new competition.

The league – which will start in March – is set to involve teams from north and south of the county and already has eight sides lined up to start the season.

Barrow Island, Walney Central, Cockermouth Titans, Distington, Glasson Rangers, Maryport, Seaton Rangers and Wath Brow Hornets will all take to the field in two months time for a competition that was last attempted in the 1970s.

Barrow League Secretary Terry Barker said that a sponsor is coming on board to help fund travel costs and added, “Clubs are aware of that stiff penalties will be in place of there is a failure to fulfil fixtures, but all are fully committed to what will be a more sociable competition, with all clubs staying for at least an hour after each game at their host’s base.”

Cumberland League representative Paul Williamson is also looking forward to the new league kicking-off.

“We had to do something with three of our leading sides now in the National Conference, Kells having joined Wath Brow and Egremont.

“Our clubs are all up for teaming up with the Barrow & District sides; otherwise we would not have taken it any further. Travelling was a problem in the ‘70s but times have changed.

“The CARLA and Barrow & District Leagues will still function; maybe we could have some kind of cup competition in the future.”