The Bradford Junior Cricket League have begun their bid to prevent junior soccer from switching to summer.

The FA are considering the change in order for the youngsters to play in better weather and become more skilful but the junior cricket league are understandably against the move.

League chairman Michael Hope said: “Top-level amateur rugby league have already made the switch, and if junior football do the same then it is going to affect junior cricket, especially if they play on Sunday mornings.

“Clubs should e-mail their cricket development managers so that the Yorkshire Cricket Board can see if a pattern can be distinguished.”

Philip Radcliffe, league treasurer and a director of the Yorkshire Cricket Board, added: “We have had a meeting with Sport England and they are now aware of the potential clash. Hopefully there will be a resolution to the problem.”

League secretary Neil Johnson said: “Cricket clubs already have problems getting teams out early in the season because of football, and we should get in touch with our MPs and local councillors to make them aware of what could be happening.”

East Bierley representative Ian Ormondroyd, a former Bradford City footballer, is strongly against the switch and said he would e-mail former Minister for Sport Gerry Sutcliffe to keep him abreast of the situation.

* Pudsey Congs stalwart Mark Bray will be a guest speaker at the league’s end-of-season supper at Cleckheaton Sports Club on Thursday, September 8.