Wales enjoying unprecedented decade of football success – but where will next generation come from, asks GMB?
More than 80 council football pitches have been lost in Wales since 2010, research by GMB reveals.
The figures emerge ahead of GMB’s Annual Congress, which begins place in Brighton on Sunday [June 9, 2019].
There were 82 less local authority owned or operated football pitches in the financial year 2017/18 than there were in 2009/10 – before the Conservative’s austerity project began.
The figures come from a Freedom of Information request made by GMB to all local authorities in Britain.
Tim Roache, GMB General Secretary said:
“Losing almost 100 council footy pitches in the West Midlands shows what the Government’s slash and burn approach to local government means in reality.
“Councils have had their funding cut in half since 2010 – they’re struggling to fund the basics and keep the show on the road.
“We’re living through an unprecedented decade in Welsh football where Cardiff and Swansea have flown the flag for Wales in the Premier league, Newport County have returned to the Football league and of course the unforgettable Euro 2016 Odyssey for the national side.”
“Just contrast that with this sorry state of affairs at the grassroots, where opportunities for the next generation of players are being trashed.
Leroy Rosenior, former West Ham, Fulham and QPR striker, said:
“It’s a national tragedy that fewer and fewer kids will have a place to play as a result of short-sighted cuts, putting efforts to open football up to more youngsters and develop diverse, welcoming and healthy sporting communities in jeopardy.”
Mr Rosenior – who also managed Torquay, Brentford and the Sierra Leone national side and was appointed MBE for his services to tackling discrimination in sport – will address delegates at GMB’s Congress in Brighton next week in his capacity as an ambassador for leading grassroots anti-racism charity Show Racism The Red Card.
“Selling off pitches reduces the number of open and inclusive arenas where young footballers can grow and develop,” he said.
Help keep news FREE for our readers
Supporting your local community newspaper/online news outlet is crucial now more than ever. If you believe in independent journalism, then consider making a valuable contribution by making a one-time or monthly donation. We operate in rural areas where providing unbiased news can be challenging. Read More About Supporting The West Wales Chronicle
