FA scheme 'load of rubbish' says junior league boss

11:07am Tuesday 1st July 2008

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ONE of the organisers of a local junior football league has condemned new intiatives by the FA, which have banned competitive cup and league games for under eights.

Warren Barlow, general secretary of the Bolton, Bury and District Junior League, says the FA is using “a sledgehammer to crack a nut”.

“The decision to ban competition is aimed primarily at curbing the antics of adults on the touchline,” he said.

“But this is not the way to go about it. The way forward has to be by education and providing the right environment.

“That can be achieved by providing charter standard clubs, which have rules that have to be adhered to, and maybe roping off pitches.

“We need to encourage games to be played in a friendly atmosphere and banning the publishing of league tables is a waste of time.

“I remember taking youngsters of that age to play in a Reebok final several years ago. They are now at under-13s level and if you ask them they will say their greatest memory is playing at the Reebok.

“This decision will deprive kids of that opportunity. I think it is a load of rubbish, but it is something we have to comply with.”

One of the driving forces behind the decision is former England star Sir Trevor Brooking, the FA director of football development who stressed that the under-8s would still be allowed to play competitive matches against each other.

Sir Trevor said: “It’s widely accepted that we need to improve the skills and technique of players in this country. Every game played is competitive, but undoubtedly having league tables at this age is not helping their development.

“At the moment we are not at the same level as other countries. In the youngest age groups there’s too much emphasis on winning leagues, often to satisfy parents and coaches.

“That’s what we’re looking to change. We need better, more skilful players coming through.”

He added: “Of course, we are not banning children from competing against each other in football.

“Every game played is competitive, but undoubtedly having league tables at this age is not helping their development. It is the league tables being stopped rather than matches.”