The Kent League has continued its plans for a Step 6 division in the region by asking Kent County League clubs for their views, just a month after Kent League chair Denise Richmond publicly revealed her league’s plans to help clubs progress.

Since August 2007 when the Kent League held their first Strategy Day, the creation of a Step 6 level has been high on the agenda.

An internal working group was formed last year which speedily organised a meeting with representatives of the County League, the FA and the KCFA. This meeting was held in January 2008, and was followed by a further meeting with the County league in April 2008.

Both meetings were held to discuss the possibilities for football in Kent at Step 5 and below, including amalgamation of the two leagues.

Despite that early positive meeting in January, progress was delayed as the County League set up their own working party and as a consequence were unable to agree dates for further meetings.

Now the League is seeking the views of County League clubs so they can press ahead with their plans, in the hope of forming the division for the start of the 2009/10 season.

“These are exciting times for non-league football in Kent,” said Ms Richmond. “The creation of a Step 6 division would be for the benefit of football in this region and allow clubs access to greater funding from the Football Foundation.

“We have notified the Kent County League of our intention and are now seeking the views of their clubs on this proposal. There is a need to find out about their facilities, understand what their ambitions are and whether they are capable of making the next step up. This information will allow much more meaningful discussions to take place with both the FA and the County League”

The formation of a Step 6 division will help bridge the widening gap between clubs at Step 5 and Step 7 in the non-league pyramid. The Kent League has already demonstrated their commitment to help clubs progress, having assisted Holmesdale and Norton Sports with promotion to Step 5 in the last two seasons.

Clubs have until July 28 to respond and once all replies are received the information will be collated and forwarded to the FA. It is likely that further meetings will be organised with both the FA and the Kent County League.