Final placings in the Jersey FA Combination League have been decided by a Points Per Game calculation this season.

Island clubs were consulted on how they wished the season to be wrapped up, after the 2019-20 campaign was ended by coronavirus. This followed a directive from the FA at Wembley, to which the JFA is affiliated, for all grassroots leagues to be immediately cancelled.

Clubs were asked for views on the following two options;

1. Null and Void season with results expunged
2. Points Per Game average to decide rankings

A clear majority opted for Points Per Game average, in what was a difficult decision for many clubs, as they weighed up the pros and cons of both options. The majority view was subsequently ratified by the Jersey FA board after considering feedback from the clubs.

The confirmation comes as the JFA today announces a major package of measures to financially support clubs in these difficult times and into next season;

• Headline sponsors Jacksons will continue to provide support for the JFA Combination League for the 2020-21 season
• Further funding of clubs will be provided by the JFA
• Club Affiliation fees for the 2020-21 season will be waived
• Team entry into cups and leagues will be free of charge for the 2020-21 season

“The JFA engaged and carefully considered what clubs had to say," said Jersey FA CEO Jean-Luc Desbois.

“It was important to consult clubs and there were understandably passionate views on both sides. Generally, clubs have been extremely positive throughout this process and several reported back after healthy internal debates before reaching consolidated views. There is no perfect solution to suit all in this unprecedented situation and it is only right that we listen to the majority.

“Congratulations to the teams who will be crowned champions of their respective divisions. The JFA hope this outcome will provide many of the island’s footballers and volunteers with something to cheer about in their homes during lock-down. We will plan a trophy and awards presentation event at an appropriate time, once the island has successfully navigated its way through the worst of the pandemic.”

Meanwhile, it is hoped that the remaining knock-out cup competitions, most of which have reached the “Final” stage, will still be completed if it is safe for football to resume by 1st July. Four cup competitions – namely the President’s Cup, Zenith Cup, Trinity Shield and Charity Cup – had all already been concluded, and the winners of those cups still stand.

Jersey FA president Bradley Vowden added: “The new package of financial support that we’re announcing today will really help clubs over the next year, which is likely to be a difficult one for many islanders following the coronavirus outbreak.

“Jacksons have been brilliant supporters of Jersey football for a number of years now. We’re hugely grateful in the current economic climate that they have agreed to extend their support of the leagues for another season. The decision to make affiliation and competition entry free for clubs in 2020-21 will come as another welcome boost to our member clubs. We also hope the Government of Jersey will continue to support all sports once we emerge from hibernation.”

Final League Tables

Jacksons Premiership

Jacksons Championship

Jacksons Division 1

Condor Ferries Channel Islands Women’s League

Jacksons Over-35 Division

Jacksons U18 Division

Jacksons U16 Division

Jacksons U15 Division 1

Jacksons U15 Division 2