Ryhope Colliery Welfare have today announced their resignation from the Ebac Northern Football League Division One.

“It is with deep regret and great sadness that we have advised the Ebac Northern League that Ryhope CW FC wish to tender their resignation from the Northern League, this is obviously not a decision that has been taken lightly but is the consequence, in the main, of the lack of volunteer support for our club playing at the level we are at on the field coupled with the ongoing demands of the League standards required off the field.

“The club needs to restructure to continue its long history but we recognise this must be done at a lower level to enable it to grow again with fresh impetus, leadership and firm foundations.

“We are deeply saddened to be left with what we see as our only viable option for Ryhope CW FC to continue.

“We wish to put on record sincere thanks to all the volunteers that have helped the club over the last few seasons and particular thanks goes to the management and playing staff for the most successful season the club has experienced during the 2021-2022 season culminating in winning the Durham FA Challenge Cup.”

– Ryhope CW Statement

A spokesman for the Northern Football League said: “We can confirm that we have received Ryhope CW’s resignation from the league.

“We are consulting with the FA about the effects of this decision so can’t comment further at this stage.

“We are sorry to receive the resignation and wish the club all the best for the future.”

The FA had announced the allocation of clubs for the two divisions for the 2022-23 season on May 12. Division One had remained at 20 clubs with Ryhope, while Division Two was expanded to 22 teams. It is unclear if Ryhope’s resignation will result in any changes to the make-up of the divisions.