Strathclyde Amateur Football League
The Strathclyde Saturday Morning Amateur Football League (SSMAFL) is a football (soccer) league competition for amateur clubs in the Strathclyde area of Scotland. The association is affiliated to the Scottish Amateur Football Association.
Founded | 1962 |
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Country | Scotland |
Confederation | UEFA |
Divisions | 4 over 3 tiers |
Number of teams | 46 |
Level on pyramid | N/A |
Promotion to | None |
Relegation to | None |
Domestic cup(s) | Scottish Amateur Cup |
Website | Official website |
The League is currently made up of four divisions, over three tiers (Premier Division, Championship A, Championship B, Development Section).
League Membership and History
In order to join the association, clubs need to apply and are then voted in by current member clubs.
The League was formed in 1962 and contains clubs from all over the former Strathclyde region, from Airdrie in the east to Gourock in the west. It changed its name from the Strathclyde Civil Service League to the Strathclyde Saturday Morning Amateur Football League in 1989. The oldest active club in the League is DTI AFC, who were formed in 1971 and still play their home matches at Glasgow Green.
Despite the general decline in the number of amateur football clubs in Scotland, the SSMAFL has continued to grow and now boasts one of the largest setups in the country, with 46 clubs participating in the 2019/20 season.
The League is currently endorsed by individual companies who sponsor the various divisions and cups, including Harley's Golf Lounge (Rutherglen), Cutting Edge Engravers, and Gordon's Bar.
The League was founded on a not-for-profit basis, and any excess funds at the end of each season are divided and refunded to the returning clubs.
The League also runs a very successful Facebook page and Twitter account, and their bespoke website is a leader in the field of amateur football.
The League is also very active is raising money for charities, including SAMH Parkinsons, QEU Childrens Hospital, and local bereavement services.