Mr Sheldon, who has been involved with the MJSL for 50 years, told the meeting at Bury Synagogue: "For our community's sake, we need to keep the leagues - especially the junior ones - going.

"I want to know that my time with the MJSL has not been wasted."

He was presented with a glass football by chairman Brian Myer to mark his service to the league.

Mr Myer said: "We might have become smaller and several teams may have disappeared over the years, but we are still here."

League secretary Paul Rose announced that there is likely to be one league next season - due to start in September - because of a lack of teams.

He said: "South Manchester Maccabi 3rd and FC Crumpsall 2nd have decided not to field teams next season, but we do have two or three potential teams lined up to take part.

"It makes sense to have one league because we are likely to have 11 teams next season instead of 13.

"In my opinion it would be best to have one division - and it would be a strong league."

Roys Rovers manager Roy Marcus proposed the introduction of picture identification to tackle the problem of non-registered players turning out for teams - as happened last season.

However, that suggestion was dismissed, with Mr Rose stating: "There will be no leniency regarding late registrations."

Mr Myer announced that Salford Council had agreed to build new changing rooms at Frederick Road, the venue for the majority of MJSL fixtures.

"I thought it might be ready for the start of the 2009/10 season, but apparently they want to have it ready for the start of next season," he said.

The executive also announced that there would be an increase in registration fees, to £15, and Andy Kingsley was announced as the new registrations' secretary.

Mr Rose said the league was planning an event to mark its 60th birthday this year.