Council set to axe support for Little League football (From Your Local Guardian)

Merton Council set to axe support for Little League football

9:00am Saturday 4th February 2012 in Top Stories By Omar Oakes

A 40-year legacy of free football for disadvantaged children is under threat after volunteers were told the council was withdrawing its financial support.

Merton’s five Little Leagues, which provide organised football to more than 430 boys and girls each week, aged six to 14, have been told by Merton Council they will each have to pay at least £5,000 a year to use the parks from September.

Nearly half the children are from poor backgrounds and play for free, while the others pay £20 a year, in an initiative launched in 1968 when the council agreed to let the registered charity use the parks for free.

Julian Stevens, who runs Wimbledon Little League on Saturday mornings at Joseph Hood Recreation Ground, Morden, said they could fold within two years if the changes went through.

He said: “We cater for many kids from disadvantaged backgrounds and with disabilities as well as some really talented kids.

"Some of the charges they have asked for are ridiculous and will kill us, which would be a loss for the community and even less opportunity for kids to play sport and make friends.”

Mr Stevens said the recently-formed Colliers Wood Little League would instantly be very likely to fold, closely followed by Raynes Park and Mitcham.

He said Wimbledon and Morden, the most popular Little Leagues, could survive in the short-term.

Michelle Quayle, a 28-year-old mother-of-three from Morden, said her son, who suffers from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder found the service invaluable to his upbringing and his ability to socialise with other children.

Kevin Hawkes, from Merton Council, told the volunteers in December that, because of “extreme budget restraints” in its Green Spaces department over the next three years, £1m needed to be cut from its budget.

The council said the savings had been discussed with councillors but Councillor Debbie Shears, leader of Merton’s Conservatives, said she had no idea of axing Little League funding until she was told about it on January 28.

Coun Shears said: “My children went to Little League and it was brilliant because it allowed them to learn to compete and visit and host teams from Holland.

“The administration has already projected an under-spend of £5.5m next year so why do they want to make £5,000 out of Wimbledon Little League?”

Cabinet member for environmental sustainability and regeneration, Councillor Andrew Judge, said: “Little League football is highly valued by the council and we appreciate the time and effort parents and volunteers put into arranging football for youngsters.

"However the football must be sustainable.

“The council has started discussions with the Little Leagues about a contribution to the maintenance of the pitches.

"Nothing has been agreed, as discussions are ongoing.”

Do you children play in Little League? Leave your comment below or contact Omar by tweeting @OmarOakes or emailing: ooakes@london.newsquest.co.uk.