It boasts a proud and illustrious history – and you could be part of its future.

Bournemouth Divisional Football Association (BDFA) has been overseeing grassroots football since 1920.

Together with the Bournemouth Hayward Football League it runs, manages and organises local football leagues and seven cup competitions each year.

Generations of players, from six years up, have cause to be grateful to the volunteers and two members of staff who keep the show on the road.

But these are difficult times.

Finding volunteers – and especially anyone under 50 – is proving more of a challenge every year.

And the number of football teams taking part in the leagues continues to decline.

In 1994 there were 144 teams in 13 divisions on a Saturday with 85 teams taking part in a Sunday league.

In total, 229 teams across the two days.

Today there are 77 teams for the Saturday and Sunday leagues.

The reason?

Mike Fowler, pictured left, BDFA President from 2007 to 2018 and League President since 2016, attributes it to several factors.

He said: “It’s definitely lifestyle but also the closure of pubs – many had a football team – and people working shifts, particularly over weekends.

“The problem is also getting volunteers, especially anyone under 50.

“None of us are getting any younger and it is a concern.”

BDFA is the only divisional FA to have an office and also employ staff.

Mandy Forbes, the full-time BDFA and League Secretary, pictured right, is assisted by Administrator Pete Carr who works part-time.

Both are based at BDFA’s offices at George Few House at Hurn Bridge.

Last year’s centenary should have been cause for a great celebration but, sadly, Covid put paid to that.

Mandy, who has been League Secretary for more than 14 years, said: “We had all sorts of plans but, of course, couldn’t go through with them.

“It’s been decided not to try and hold them now.”

Sponsorship and advertising play a key role in helping to keep grassroots football alive and kicking.

Max Ashley, pictured left, who took up the voluntary role of Commercial Manager in June, said businesses could become involved for as little as £50 for an advert on the BDFA website’s supporters’ page.

He added: “We still have a few cup competition sponsorships available.

“For only £600, including match day magazine advert, logo displayed on our website, report coverage, VIP passes, reserved parking, half time hospitality and cup presentation, it’s an opportunity not to be missed.

“We have all sorts of attractive opportunities available, from stadium adverts to our website, which will reach thousands of people.

“We would love to hear from individuals and businesses who share our passion to keep grassroots football alive for the community.”

• bournemouthfa.co.uk