May I suggest that for the North Lancashire League teams, the season started on Monday with the AGM.

I was at the AGM and most of those who were there and are reading this now, will know that the team I have been involved with for five years – Vine FC – resigned from the league.

Thanks to those who had kind words for myself and the team, it is appreciated, but time moves on and I am sure Saturdays will still be busy!

But enough of me, what about the League? Evidence of how well the League is doing was clear to see on Monday night with 68 teams being confirmed – two short of the maximum allowed.

It bodes well for an exciting season and also for an exciting future but now – I would suggest – is the time to be looking at how that future can be shaped.

Yes, this season started on Monday but ideas for the 2009-10 should be on the table now as well to ensure that the growth and development of the League continues.

It's noticeable that of the five teams coming into the League, four are second or third teams of clubs. It means that there are 30 teams out of 68 who are not first teams, potentially making promotion and relegation issues complicated – Bolton-le-Sands denied their reserves promotion last season.

Is it time for a Reserve league? It's what they do in the West Lancs. I know it was raised at last year's AGM but it's nigh on impossible to have constructive debate in a room full of people. Perhaps it is time for a group of officials to look at it properly and come up with something.

And what about an Under 18 division?

Speak to people and this seems a good idea, bridging the gap from the Service to Youth League and keeping young men in the sport.

The new Highgrove Colts team will be mainly lads from last year's U16s but is it ideal for them to come straight into men's football?

With other clubs (eg Carnforth Rangers) also looking at setting up a third team of youngsters, why not put them in a league together for the North Lancs area instead of watching them head towards Preston where there is an Under 18 set-up?

The North Lancs U18 League stopped in 1976. Now is the time for clubs to seriously consider whether it should return.

Talking now could lead to action. Not talking now definitely leads to inaction. 2009-10 starts now.

What do you think? Email sport@lmnews.co.uk or leave a comment below.