Hellenic League return for Shipston Excelsior
SHIPSTON Excelsior have had their application to rejoin the Hellenic League accepted, chairman Alex Seys confirmed.
It’s welcome news for the London Road club having made the difficult decision to drop out of the national structure and into the Stratford Alliance for one campaign to preserve their future.
Excelsior’s move to the Alliance came on the back of a surprise switch from Hellenic League Division Two North to Division Two West on the cusp of the 2021-22 season.
This meant the club was faced with longer away days, including a trip to Herefordshire outfit Kington Town, which was over two hours away from Shipston.
With players unable to commit to the journeys, especially due to uncertainties over whether the season would be played to a conclusion or not due to Covid-19, Excelsior applied to join the Stratford Alliance and they were welcomed with open arms into Aquaid Division One.
Now, Excelsior look set to return the national structure from next season, with Seys revealing their application to rejoin the Hellenic League was successful, although which division they will be in is yet to be decided.
“It was a difficult decision to drop out of the pyramid and join the Stratford Alliance,” he told the Herald.
“Moving divisions so late meant we were faced with one away day that was two-and-a-quarter hours away, and the lads just could not commit to that kind of travel, especially as they were unsure if the season would finish or not.
“Thankfully, the Stratford Alliance accepted us and we’ve enjoyed our time in the league. However, we want to give Shipston lads the chance to play at the highest level possible.
“There’s no point in nurturing kids from U7s right through to U16s, to then lose them to teams in Alcester or Leamington when they’re eligible to play adult football because clubs in those areas are at a higher standard.”
He added: “We have young lads from Shipston and its surrounding villages at the club, and it would be massively disheartening to lose them in that way.
“We want Shipston lads to play for their local club.”
The Excelsior chief also confirmed that the reserves will move from Stratford Alliance Walls & Ceilings Division Two to the Banbury District & Lord Jersey league for the 2022-23 season.
