Football not a sport for all in Stockton

It would be wonderful to think that the all round success that has been this summer’s Olympic Games has heralded a new age in our country. A generation inspired by team spirit, community, inclusivity and passion. How refreshing it has been to see new role-models emerge, people that our children can aspire to be like overshadowing the dubious national role-models of Big Brother contestants and the increasingly egocentric world of football celebrity.

How disappointing then that a little part of our local community here in Warwickshire has not taken the opportunity to embrace this. Stockton Football Club, once a thriving and welcoming hub of Stockton village seems to be shutting itself off to local residents.

It seems that it is no longer acceptable to take small children and a dog over to the fields on a summer night to kick a ball around in the evening sun, even when no football game is scheduled. As a responsible dog owner and mother of well-behaved children who are respectful of their surroundings, it is disheartening to be shouted at by a club representative.

How surprising then to find that whilst club representatives have no hesitation in lambasting a young family for respectfully enjoying the then completely empty field, there is no-one there in a position of authority who has the fortitude to tell the club footballers to pick up their litter after a game. The field is permanently strewn with empty bottles, cans and crisp packets. A truly sad reflection of the self-interested culture of football in our country. - Name and address supplied.