Midlands league official calls for politicians to act on return of underage games
The secretary of the Midlands schoolboys and girls league has asked parents to lobby politicians over the return of underage soccer matches.
While the country's level 5 lockdown is being lifted this week, it remains the case that no matches are allowed to take place other than 'elite-level' games.
In a letter to the Westmeath Independent, Derek Collins, secretary of the Midlands School Boys Girls League, argued that a safe return to the playing of fixtures must now be extended to all levels of the game.
"I feel it's now time for every football club, the players' parents, and extended family, to email or canvass all their local TDs or councillors across the Midlands area to get your kids back playing matches," Derek wrote.
"It is also time for our governing body to start looking after all kids playing football in this country, not just the national league clubs, but all clubs that play our beautiful game."
In a statement last weekend, the FAI said it would be holding discussions with the Government this week in relation to the resumption of games, and it would "update stakeholders at the earliest opportunity."
On behalf of the Midlands School Boys Girls League, Derek Collins welcomed the FAI's statement but pointed out that under the current restrictions training sessions are still non-contact.
"Having no contact, in training, with other players means there is no end game to training. I believe we will end up with a lot of players not wanting to play, or falling out of love with the beautiful game.
"If we continue to train without matches, it could result in a lot of kids returning to their online games and going without exercise which in the long run will turn into health problems further down the line," he added.
"We in the Midlands School Boys Girls League are now without games since early October, so we're going into our 9th week now.
"We have, as a league, always upheld the most stringent restrictions for all training and matches that have been played, and we had Gaynor Cup matches since last August without any problems.
"I feel there may be an underlying movement to move all football into a calendar season, as the way things are going it will be at least February before we are allowed to play football, which will coincide with a summer season.
"In regards to the above, the following will happen in the Midlands area: Clubs that are depending on farmers for grounds will not get them, and clubs not getting in membership fees will not survive.
"If this happens, your child, your nephew or niece, your grandsons and granddaughters will not play for your local club and will have to travel outside your parish, your town, or your county.
"So we are asking all every football club their players parents, and extended family to email or canvas your local TDs County councillors and any local and national media to help get our kids back playing matches," he concluded.