FOOTBALL: Next season the Sunderland Catholic Club Over-40s League will introduce the repeated substitutes rule. This rule means four players are permitted to be brought on and off at any time.

The League is the first Over-40s League to implement the change.

Ex-League referee Ken Redfearn gave a short talk at the League's AGM, after he proposed the idea to FIFA having seen it in action in the USA. It is now sanctioned by FIFA for veterans and Under-16 soccer.

Three new teams joined the 64-strong League Crook Town, Houghton Swifts, and Toll Bar Ryhope, Northumbria Police resigned and Board Inn replaced Willow Pond. Two new committee men, Brian Burnikell and Tony Stoker were elected.

The first games will be on August 10.