And it is a ruling which has sent shockwaves throughout the country and through the local football community.

However, while some are fully against the decision, others occupy a different stance entirely, and support the FA's actions.

The FA believe that football has become "too competitive" in some areas of the country, and that Under 8s are too young to be concerned about the concepts of winning and losing.

And the aim of the ruling is to create "an environment where children can learn and develop their skills without the pressure of having to get a result", according to a Soho Square spokesman.

North Valley League secretary Selena Vooght feels the FA have targeted the wrong group entirely: "From my own personal viewpoint, I can't see how we can take the competitiveness away from that level.

"At the end of the day, kids at that age will still play to win, regardless of what rules come in against that.

"Having said that, our Under 9 girls last season played non-competitively, they just played five-a-side indoors, and it worked very well.

"Maybe that was because there was no pressure on them to perform, I don't know.

"If it has the same effect on Under 8 boys then fine, but it's a difficult one.

"I can see where the FA are coming from, but it's going to be a wait- and-see scenario.

"But I don't think the problem is with the players, your competitiveness comes from certain team managers and the parents.

"I've known managers tear into their sides for conceding a goal, despite being 6-0 or 7-0 up at the time, and that is where the problem is.

"So it's how the adults are going to react more than anything, but we shall wait and see."

However, on the other side of the coin, Paula Sykes, of local club Padiham Saints, is fully behind the scheme: "I am in total agreement with the FA on this one.

"I am the coach of our Under 7s, and in my eyes, children of this age should be concentrating on enjoying their football and learning new skills, not wondering where they are in a league and demoralising them if they are at the bottom.

"We have played some matches where the parents and coaches are so competitive it takes the enjoyment out of it.

"At our club, we will take any child who is wanting to play football, regardless of ability.

"But unfortunately, there are too many clubs who don't agree with this, and will only take children who they know can help the team win."

Up to now, the plethora of Under 8 teams in the local leagues, including the North Valley League, have always had their results and league tables published, and played in cup competitions, with trophies awarded to the winners.

But from the start of the new season in September, all that changes, with results and league tables not made public.

The Warburtons League are to introduce an Under 8s Division for the first time, but league secretary Eileen Salmon supports the stance of her North Valley League counterpart: "We're kicking off an Under 8s league for the first time this coming season, and it's non-competitive.
"But I think it's a good thing, because they have plenty of time to play competitively at a later date.

"Some parents have an urge to get carried away, and that aspect is removed if their children are not playing competitively.

"It's not the children who cause problems, it's the parents, but various things have attempted to be implemented where the parents are concerned, to no avail.

"All children want to do at that age is kick a ball, in the past it has been structured with leagues, points and the rest, but they just want to play for the fun of it at that age, and that's how it should be."