Outcry as independent league forced out ‘by Football Association’

Outcry as independent league forced out ‘by Football Association’
More than 180 people have signed a petition calling for a football league to be reinstated to the pitch they were using after an ‘outrageous’ decision to remove them.The government is also investigating whether Leisure Leagues, which does not affiliate to the Football Association, has been mistreated by football’s governing body at Charnwood College in Loughborough.Four clubs and twenty-eight players have been forced to pull out of the league since it was told it could no longer book the college’s 3G pitch at 8-9pm on a weekday.3

Leisure Leagues claim to have ‘the world’s largest 5, 6, and 7-a-side football leagues’

Charnwood College explained to Leisure Leagues that at a recent meeting the FA had been ‘particularly concerned about the prime time booking you have on a Tuesday evening…’.Its Football Development Officer went on to apologise and explain that ‘there is nothing we can do’.The incident comes after talkSPORT revealed claims Leisure Leagues is having its business restricted by football’s governing body.An FA spokesperson said: “Non-affiliated providers, such as Leisure Leagues, are welcome at facilities funded by the FA providing there is adequate availability and no community demand at these times.”Leisure Leagues still have a weekend slot at Charnwood College, but claim their removal from prime time slots is evidence of discrimination.3

Leisure Leagues are no longer able to book their regular 3G pitch

James Ockelford runs the league, which now plays seven miles away because no equivalent facilities could be found closer.He told talkSPORT: I’m absolutely gutted and pretty angry as well. As far as I’m aware some teams are stopping playing altogether.It is believed a team of approximately 20 players now occupies the 8-9pm slot.Mr Ockelford’s league has nearly one hundred. He admits it might have to fold if teams continue to withdraw.Tim King captains one of the teams forced to relocate, FC Cione; he describes the league as ‘fantastic’. It’s getting people playing football,” Mr King said, “getting people like me at 53, wanting to play with his son, having a kick around and enjoying it.Commenting on the cancellation of the booking Mr King added: I think it’s outrageous. Absolutely crazy. I think it’s politics.Referee Jack Hamilton said: As we move to a location further afield my travel costs will increase and my match fees will decrease due to less session time and fewer teams.An FA spokesperson added: The FA is passionate about growing the game at grassroots level across the country and we encourage all leagues and teams to be affiliated. Once affiliated, they receive a number of benefits, such as access to FA Qualified and Affiliated Referees.”3

Leisure Leagues have had to move to a new destination

Sports Minister Mims Davies has told Leisure Leagues she will raise the issue with FA chief executive Martin Glenn ‘as a priority’ following the latest incident.talkSPORT understands the government is also in contact with the Competitions and Markets Authority.James Ockelford added: “I don’t think this is what the FA should be causing. The FA are here to raise participation within grassroots football not to exclude people.”3G facilities such as Charnwood College’s pitch are built in collaboration with the Football Foundation and the FA in order to provide more opportunities for grassroots sport.The colleges are then required to adhere to ‘development plans’ that determine which leagues and clubs can hire the pitches.

---

Looking back at Lionel Messi's best Barcelona goals as

---

Feb 12, 2019 · North and South Korea to launch joint bid to host 2032 summer Olympics This article is more than 3 months old. has also suggested the two countries bid to co-host the 2030 World Cup. The

---

Ex-Tottenham midfielder Mousa Dembele has wishes his side luck before their European showdown with Liverpool on Saturday night. Spurs face off against Liverpool in Madrid for the Champions League trophy and have the chance to make history. Dembele was a major favourite during his spell in North

---

Nelson Oliveira: Aston Villa's Tyrone Mings apologises for stamp which caused gruesome facial injury Reading forward Oliveira showed off the extent of his injury and it's not for the faint
Nelson Oliveira: Aston Villa's Tyrone Mings apologises for

---

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer invites Paul Scholes to Man Utd after Oldham departure. The former midfielder quit as Oldham Athletic boss after 31 days on Thursday and Solskjaer has offered some support
Solskjaer: I'll be there for Scholes after shock Oldham exit

---

The CIES Football Observatory's annual report of the world's most costly players, evaluated on key metrics, ranks Messi at a valuation of £163 million, ahead of Barcelona teammate Neymar (£

---

Nov 11, 2018 · I t's derby day, it's Sunday, and the teams for Manchester City versus Manchester United are with us. Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho have been making nice in the build up to this match but it is
Manchester United vs Manchester City predictions: Man City

---

Transfer news and football gossip: Kylian Mbappe hints at PSG

---

Battle to beat the drop: Can Neil Warnock defy the odds and keep Cardiff up? Are Burnley in danger? Or will Southampton or Brighton slip? Huddersfield Town and Fulham look almost certain to be
Premier League relegation battle - Latest news, transfers

---

For a moment, the Etihad Stadium erupted as Raheem Sterling appeared to have landed the knockout blow to Tottenham's Champions League hopes. Manchester City's unprecedented quadruple hopes had
Schalke 04 News and Scores - ESPN
tv5.espn.com/football/club/_/id/133/schalke-04
Schalke 'ultra' charged with attempted murder over fan attack. Two others charged with aggravated battery by prosecutors in Essen after violent clash in final minutes of Champions League game in February.
Pep Guardiola - Wikipedia

---

Substitute striker Javier Hernandez scored a late brace including a stoppage-time winner to help West Ham United beat Huddersfield Town 4-3 in a roller-coaster Premier League clash on Saturday.
Premier League LIVE - Leicester vs Burnley plus Huddersfield

---

Eric Bailly Manchester United 'reject Arsenal move for Eric Bailly' A round up of the latest Man Utd transfer rumours as Eric Bailly is linked with a move to Arsenal and Anthony Martial latest. 1 2

---

Cardiff vs Liverpool live on talkSPORT: Full commentary, free

---

Bournemouth vs Liverpool: Confirmed team news as Milner

---