From Robert Haycock.
I HAVE read the article by Carl Walker (JEP, 12 Sept) and the letter from Gary McDonald (JEP, 21 Sept) about the state of junior football.
I have been involved for many years and feel that problems need to be addressed for the benefit of the young players.
I have attended the Level One coaching course and have been taught to encourage, support and apply fair play. I have seen two of Rozel Rovers U16s’ games, losing 17-0 to First Tower and 10-0 to St Peter.
Before the Tower game we had a squad of 14 players, and after the game players and parents said to me: ‘What is the point of playing?’ For the game against St Peter we had only 11 players (that tells us something). In the second half we had a player injured, so we had to carry on with ten players.
When I look at the scores over the weekend in all the leagues, there are many in double figures, which does neither team any good. There are clubs who every year try to get the best players to improve their team, but when the weaker teams get beaten by such a big score the youngsters will pack up and move to other sports.
This problems need to be looked at before it is too late. Even I am considering walking away from a game that has given me many years of enjoyment.
Please, JFA, something has to be done.
