Three county schools football teams have been axed

[davieG]

Merc

Three county schools football teams have been axed, 92 years after they were founded.

Leicestershire and Rutland Schools FA said it had been forced to dismantle its county under-16s boys' and girls' teams and the boys' under-15s team.

The under-15s were on the verge of competing in a Midlands competition, leaving dozens of young hopefuls heartbroken.

The move was taken after the FA learned it was not getting all of the £5,000 grant it was seeking from council-funded Leicester Shire and Rutland Sport.

It was awarded £3,000, which it has been told must be spent on football at district rather than county level.

In all, about 70 youngsters in the three squads will be affected. Coaches broke the news to pupils and parents by text on Monday.

County schools FA secretary Steve Abson said: "Last summer we applied for a grant of £5,000. But we had to wait until January 18 to be told we did not get that full amount.

"We were told the money we did receive had to be spent on inter-schools matches only." He said the cut in funding made it impossible to continue with the county squads because of the high costs of hiring buses to travel around the country.

He said: "It is very sad. In our 92-year history our boys' and girls' sides have won national championships."

Leicester City FC ambassador Allan Birchenall said: "I am flabbergasted that for so little money the development of future Linekers and Heskeys could be put at risk.

"I was very proud to play for Nottinghamshire schools.

"If we want to keep youngsters on the straight and narrow we cannot make cuts like this that have such a devastating impact.

"I hope the money could be found to keep the squads going."

Striker Sam Thorpe, 15, plays for Asfordby Amateurs and was looking forward to taking part in a Midlands tournament in the next few weeks.

He said: "I could not believe it when I got the text. I and the others who got through to the final squad are really disappointed."

His dad Campbell, a qualified referee, said: "This is a disgusting thing to happen.

"The youngsters have gone to trials and were really excited about representing the county.

"All the youngsters affected are heartbroken."

Rob Roskelly, of Winstanley Community College, Braunstone, is one of the teachers responsible for the county under-16s boys.

He said: "It is very disappointing for the all the youngsters.

"They really benefited from mixing with children from other schools, learning respect for others. I hope something can be done."

Leicester Shire and Rutland Sport director John Byrne said the organisation only had a pot of £20,000, jointly provided by the city and county councils.

Mr Byrne said: "The panel supported the awarding of £3,000 to football.

"There has been pressure from other sports associations over recent years for a more equitable share of the total pot."

He said his organisation had urged the schools FA to look for other funding and that it could still lodge an appeal.

[Darkon84]

Thats bloody terrible. Is it any wonder this country is shite at football at senior level, when we can't even provide a small amount of funding for the young players at that level to continue their footballing education.

Ridiculous how this can happen considering the amount of money thrown around higher up.

Occupy football!

[Wherethefoxhat?]

Really shocking !

Devastating news for many ....

The aspirations and ambitions of all these boys and girls shattered by a lack of funding ?

92 years of tradition & expectation over ?

I certainly hope that an appeal is lodged and upheld .

Grass root football is essential !

[steveherbe]

Couldn't NP fine Mills for his alledged 'outburst' then pass the money on to fund this? Simple - too fooking simple for football!!