Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A grassroots football club has asked to be voluntarily relegated to a lower league so it can have a 'reset' following some tough times. Bodmin Town Football Club announced it has written to the South West Peninsula League (SWPL) asking to drop from the league down to the St Piran's League at the end of the season. The amateur football club and one of the founding members of the SWPL and five-time league winner said the decision would help the club get back on a better footing and would help secure its future going forward. In a message on the club's Facebook page, Raymond Storey, chairman, wrote: "Please note, as a founding member of the SWPL and five-time League winner, this decision has not been taken lightly, but we feel it is the best action for the football club both for the immediate and continuing future of the club. "As a club we have faced a number of significant challenges over the last couple of seasons which we have managed to overcome but feel now is the time for us to reset and secure the club going forward." Read about and keep up with our Ban the Boards campaign to rid Cornwall of the scourge of cheap, throwaway bodyboards here or go to www.cornwalllive.com/all-about/ban-the-boards He added: "We also face the growing challenges of recruiting volunteers which I am sure is a similar challenge for other clubs at our level. Football at the lower steps is so important and vital to its communities but faces challenges on a number of levels. The club said there are short to medium term plans for Cornwall FA to take over the lease of the club's ground and develop their own facilities in situ. Mr Storey added: "We are fully supportive of this and note the long-term benefits it will bring, both to ourselves and the wider sporting community, but acknowledge the short-term ground grading challenges it might present especially with increasing grading directives to clubs at our current level. "We would like to take this opportunity to thank both Phil Hiscox and the SWPL league officials for all the help and support they have provided to us during our time in the League. It is often commented that the SWPL is the best ran League at Step 6 and we would not argue against this. The support, professionalism and advice are second to none and recognised by all its member clubs. "Football in Devon and Cornwall is fortunate to have individuals like those involved. We now look forward to our participation in the St Piran's League and the new challenges and adventures that this will give." There was some outpouring of support for the club as it enters a new era and also comments that the writing had been on the wall for quite some time. Dave Sandry said: "A sad day for Bodmin Town AFC but hopefully it will see the club survive in the long term. Best wishes to all at the club. Bryan Owen added: "Simply shocking. I spent many a season following Bodmin home and away, having a great time too, but the last couple of seasons have been a total disaster for the club." ⚠️ Want the latest Cornwall breaking news and top stories first? Click here to join CornwallLive on WhatsAppand we'll send breaking news and top stories directly to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice⚠️