The East Lancashire Football Alliance (ELFA) was formed in 2006/7 when the Hyndburn League amalgamated with the Blackburn & Darwen League. The league has expanded year on year from 174 teams at inception to currently 663 teams playing from u7s to u18s. In 2013/4 and in 2014/5 the ELFA was awarded the FA Charter Standard Respect League of the Year and Respect continues to be a major focus of the League as we strive to make the game as enjoyable as possible for everyone involved. As part of its Respect campaign, the ELFA has invested a deal of time and effort into referee development. Referees are actively recruited and mentored to try to increase refereeing numbers and again reduce the number of Respect issues. Regular consultation takes place with local referees' associations and the county referees' officers. On the playing side, after consultation with the FA's Les Howie, the ELFA decided to introduce a three part season for 2016/7. The three parts run from Sept-Nov, Nov-Feb and Feb-May. With 4G pitches block booked during the winter months, it has seen more meaningful games and a reduction in the number of games lost to the weather. This format was retained for season 2017/8 and is now an Integral part of our season. Girls Football has flourished over the last few years, and we now have girls provision across the age groups all the way up to U18 and now have120 all girl teams playing in the League The ELFA has always looked to progress further and pick new examples of best practice, and through the regular FA Leagues meetings at St Georges Park has built a network of collaboration with other Charter Standard Leagues around the country. The League continues to look forward as it continues to grow and develop including a new and relevant constitution, as Paid roles are being used to ensure the league operates effectively. Plans are in place to introduce 3 v 3 games to give players more touches and time on the ball,