League's stars invited to FA party

The Evo-Stik Northern Premier League is backing plans for a representative team to play a part in the Football Association’s 150th Birthday celebrations.

The FA, planning a series of events throughout 2013 to commemorate the landmark year, have asked the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League, Evo-Stik Southern League and Ryman League to consider forming teams from their best players and managers.

The plans, which the FA are still to formally approve, already have the public backing of the Evo-Stik NPL and Ryman League. Evo-Stik NPL Chairman Mark Harris believes the formation of representative sides will be deserved recognition for the leading roles the three leagues continue to play in the birthplace of football.

Harris said: "Any initiative of that nature could only be good for the league in terms of recognition not only for the league, but for the players. We’ve been invited to confirm that we would be interested in participating and we have written formally confirming our interest.

"Anything that recognises the contribution the players make to all competitions is absolutely to be applauded and welcomed. We very much hope it goes ahead and we would be very supportive."

As part of next year’s celebrations the FA have already announced they are putting in place plans for a National Football Day on August 10.