Although brass band competitions may not be on the immediate horizon, the return of football certainly is, with all over the world going through the ritual of relying on blind faith and undiluted optimism to will their favourite teams to success.

And although fans are not yet being allowed to fill the great citadel stadiums, they can still enjoy being involved with the various fantasy leagues they can join.

Raising funds

One such band providing their own version of the Premiership this year is the Amersham Band — well known for being proactive in their fund raising efforts for their new bandhall facility — and for creating plenty of fun along the way.

They have set up their private league which you can join for just £10 — with funds being split between prize winners and the band to help them put the final touches to their bandhall building facilities.

Final phase

Band Chairman, Fred Harrison told 4BR: "We have reached the point where we have a wonderful purpose-designed rehearsal facility, but we can't make use of it until we have completed the final phase of finishing.

Our old facility is too small to provide a COVID-safe environment for the band so we are keen to finish the work as soon as possible so we can get back to making music again."

Red Star Lenin FC

Amersham's MD Paul Fisher came up with the idea and has already had a great response — with even the 4BR Editor joining with his team Red Star Lenin FC, built on a communal work ethic, the sharing of team bonuses and the obligatory singing of 'The Red Flag' before kick-off.

Unfortunately the wonderfully named Lyon footballer Maxwel Cornet is currently not for sale...

participants in the league can select their own team of top players and have the chance to try to beat some of Amersham Band's football fanatics and a few well known brass band 'experts' along the way4BR

£10 to enter

Paul added: "It's just £10 to enter and will be great fun all year long with plenty of prizes to be won as the season progresses.

Using the Premier League Fantasy Football App, participants in the league can select their own team of top players and have the chance to try to beat some of Amersham Band's football fanatics and a few well known brass band 'experts' along the way."

If you are interested in joining in the fun, then get in touch with the band via their website www.amershamband.com and they'll send instructions on how to sign up.