GRASSROOTS football is just around the corner with competitive matches set to return in early September.

With the Northern Alliance abandoned in March, there has been a long wait for the return to action, but a number of friendlies have been arranged for Saturday.

Haltwhistle Jubilee, who will play in Division One of the Alliance following their promotion, will play Premier Division side Ponteland United. Division One rivals Prudhoe Youth Club Seniors start their pre-season programme with a game against Northern League outfit Whickham, while the youth club’s development team face the newly formed Heddon United, who will play in the North East Combination League.

The Northern Alliance is set to resume on Wednesday, September 2, with Hexham and District Sunday League hopeful of a September 6 kick off.