Unfortunately I don't remember where I first heard about the league, but it was from an article somewhere, not from another person.
[In response to a query as to whether it could have been WILLz' article in Games January 1979]: Seems likely. I don't remember, but I know I saw that article so if it appeared shortly before I joined, that's likely how I found out about it.
First Issue: Apr 1979
No data.
No data.
No data.