STOKE Potters are planning for the future by entering the Midland Development League for the forthcoming season.

The league, which has been given official status by the British Speedway Promoters' Association, is likely to include at least seven teams, with Stoke joining Sheffield, Milton Keynes, Coventry-Mercia, Halifax, Scunthorpe and champions Long Eaton.

Stoke team manager Malcolm Vasey said: "We are looking at ways to make Stoke more professional in the way we attract junior riders.

"We already run training schools and amateur meetings, and the hope is we can unearth young riders who can claim a National League team place and beyond.

"The league will be run on a home and away basis with four riders per team. Meetings will comprise of six races.

"It is possible to use one of your National League reserves, but the other riders should not be in a team. You cannot include foreign riders.

"We will run meetings after our National League fixtures on Sunday or a Saturday.

"I think this is a great idea because we aren't doing enough to develop young British riders."