Northwich's Brian Maddock has done more than anyone else to develop seven-a-side football in Cheshire. Brian is the founder and secretary of the Moss Farm seven-a-side Football League, the biggest of its kind in the county.

Now, thanks to the worldwide web, seven-a-side supremo Brian is promoting the game in far-flung corners of the globe. Brian's website (www.7aside.co.uk) has already attracted interest from Spain, Hong Kong and Taiwan. But even he was amazed when he was asked for advice by e-mail from the general secretary of the Seven-a-side Football Federation of India.

"I was flattered when I received the e-mail from such a high profile figure. I've sent a copy of our rules and regulations, details of how we plan our fixtures and given general advice on the best ways to run a seven-a-side league," said Brian, who now acts as an advisor to the Indian Football Federation.

All Moss Farm league games are played at Moss Farm, the council-owned facility that also houses the headquarters of the Cheshire County FA, with which Brian and his team work closely.

Maureen Dunford, secretary of Cheshire County FA, said Brian had been 'instrumental' in developing one of the most well organised and well-respected seven-a-side leagues in the North West.

"What makes the Moss Farm League particularly special is that it's run by people who all have a genuine love for football and who want to provide their players with the very best facilities and support," she said.

The privately run Moss Farm league consists of six divisions, each with its own sponsor, and has over 1400 footballers from all over the North West and North Wales playing in it.

Brian said: "Some people say that seven-a-side football is competing against the eleven-a-side game, but I disagree. Many people play seven-a-side because it's simply more convenient for them and it's certainly as competitive.

"It's also a shop window and we know that scouts from football league clubs come along to watch players at Moss Farm."

Brian has spent over 20 years promoting seven-a-side football in Cheshire. Currently he runs the league from home due to poor health, but this hasn't stopped him from being actively involved in many other areas of the game.

He's a member of several mid Cheshire District FA committees, a vice president of the Mid Cheshire Youth League and maintains an active interest in the Referees' Society. His first love, though, is The Moss Farm League, run by a 16-strong committee of volunteers including Brian's wife, Patricia, who is treasurer.

If you would like more information about football in Cheshire and how to get involved in the national game, be it playing, refereeing, coaching or administering, contact Maureen Dunford and her team at the Cheshire FA on 01606 871166, or by e-mail at: Secretary@CheshireFA.com.