BRIDPORT Football Club has announced its reserve team has pulled out of this season's Dorset Premier League.
Club chairman Chris Tozer said it's with 'great disappointment' and a decision 'not taken lightly' that the Bees second team has pulled out of the league.
The club endured a difficult campaign last season finishing second to last having lost 21 of their 34 games.
It comes as the club say they can't attract enough local players to "compete consistently " at a "highly competitive level."
Tozer said: "Bridport Football Club can confirm, with great disappointment, that we have taken the difficult decision to withdraw our men's reserve team from the Dorset Premier League ahead of the 2026/27 season.
"This is not a decision that has been taken lightly.
"Following changes in the management team, combined with the increasing challenge of attracting and retaining enough local players to compete consistently at this highly competitive level, the club felt it was the right time to reset, refocus and rebuild with the long-term future of Bridport Football Club firmly in mind.
"In recent seasons, a number of factors have made this increasingly difficult.
"The restructuring and changing make-up of football at step 5 and above has intensified competition for local players, placing additional pressure on clubs like ours.
"As a community club, we believe it is important to make decisions that ensure we remain sustainable rather than overextending ourselves in the short term."
Despite the club pulling its reserve team, the club remains in a good place.
A new under18s side has been launched for this season with the team already winning their first pre-season friendly 4-2 against Netherbury.
The club's women's team is also continuing to grow and will feature in Division One of the Dorset Women's League next season having previously played in the Somerset County League.
The club's first team is also looking to build on last season's runner up success and go one step further and lift the South West Peninsula title this coming campaign - despite losing key players such as Sol Ayunga and Sam Fisher.
Tozer added: "While this news is undoubtedly disappointing, there are many positives for the club and reasons to be optimistic about the future."
"We are delighted to have launched a new under-18s team this season, with a talented and committed group of young local players.
"We see this as the foundation of our future, creating a clear pathway into senior football and helping us develop players who are proud to represent Bridport.
"Alongside this, we intend to establish a new reserve side in a Dorset league when the time is right again, providing valuable opportunities for emerging players to gain experience and progress towards the first team.
"Building a sustainable player pathway is a priority, and this reset allows us to strengthen that approach.
"Our first team continues to have a strong core of committed players, whilst some of our talented players have stepped up to clubs in higher divisions; we are also excited to build on the foundation we have throughout the season ahead.
"We are also looking forward to another competitive campaign for our women's team as they compete in Division One of the Dorset Women's League.
"Football is a game of highs and lows.
"Every club experiences challenging periods, and while this is one of those moments for Bridport Football Club, we firmly believe it also presents an opportunity to build stronger foundations for the future.
"Finally, we would like to thank everyone who has supported our reserve team over the years- our players, management, volunteers, sponsors and loyal supporters.
"Your commitment to the club is greatly appreciated.
"Now, more than ever, we ask our community to continue standing behind the club.
"The support of our volunteers, sponsors and supporters is vital as we rebuild and work towards an exciting new chapter for Bridport Football Club."
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