FOLLOWING Mardy Tigers superb run of success last season that saw them appear in the U14's UK Tesco Cup Final at the City of Manchester stadium, it appears that due to a controversial decision made by the FAW Trust and Gwent FA, the youngsters will be struggling for a regular fixture this time around.

Alongside the Crickhowell Panthers and the Abertysswg Angels, the Tigers now find themselves forced to play in a new Gwent Girls' U14's League, instead of the South Wales Girls' League, where the Tigers earned their stripes.

Disgruntled club secretary Wayne Jeremiah told the Chronicle, "The decision to set up a new league and force three local clubs, who all wanted to remain in the South Wales Girls' League, is one which has left many players wondering why."

Having originally been given permission by the Gwent FA to take part in the South Wales Girls' League at U12's, U.14's and U16's, a subsequent letter was received telling the club they would have to join the new U14's Gwent League for the 2008/09 season, whilst the 12's and 16's could continue to compete in the S.W.G.L.

Initially the new league was promised the involvement of 11 to 12 clubs, but this soon dropped to eight on registration night in late August, with another one falling by the wayside before the season kicked off in earnest.

To make matters worse, only three fixtures were played out of a possible 12 in the first month, due to the new clubs not having enough players, and subsequently leaving the three established clubs without competitive games.

A frustrated Jeremiah added, "The South Wales Girls' League has been running for over 10 years now, but began at the lower age groups and built itself up into what is today a very successful league.

"The short sightedness of the FAW Trust and especially the Gwent FA, whereby they hijack already well established clubs and force them to join a new league and play against clubs who obviously will struggle and ultimately lose youngsters when asked to compete against these clubs, is in my opinion a recipe for disaster.

"For example, the first result of the season in this new league ended with a 21- 0 scoreline, which I think speaks for itself.

"As I have already mentioned, new leagues should begin at the lowest age group and build up over a number years, giving any older age groups the opportunity to join already well established leagues, if they so wish to try their hand at more competitive action.

"Ultimately, because of these new decisions, the Tigers, and the other two clubs mentioned, are hoping to start a campaign to be allowed next season to rejoin the South Wales Girls' League before the girls lose interest in what we're being told is the fastest growing sport in Wales."

Meanwhile, on the field, the Mardy Tigers U12's have started their league campaign with three wins out of four matches, with Alana Murphy scoring nine goals to date.

The U14's have managed just one league game and defeated Cwmbran Celtic 7-0.

The Tigers U16's squad defeated Cardiff City U16's 1-0 last week in a thrilling encounter, with new recruit Ellie Leek snatching a late winner to inflict a rare defeat at this level on the Bluebirds.