02nd December 2005

MSPs want public cash invested in football

More public money needs to be invested in youth football to regenerate the game in Scotland, a group of MSPs said yesterday.

The recommendation is a key part of a special report by members of the Scottish Parliament's enterprise and culture committee which carried out an 18-month inquiry into the future of Scottish football.

Recognising the need for clubs to be encouraged to nurture their own talent, the report calls on the Executive to review the decision to end funding for football academies.

The document also urges the Scottish Football Association to rethink its decision not to allow junior clubs to compete in the Scottish Cup.

In compiling the dossier, the committee took submissions from top-flight clubs, members of the game's governing bodies, supporters' groups and individual fans.

As part of its inquiry, the committee examined initiatives such as the Action Plan for Youth Football, which was set up in March 2004. But members said they were disappointed that only £1.2million of the £12.2million cash set aside for the project came from the parliament, with the rest being lottery funding. And the committee said that they were not convinced that this level of financial support is sufficient.

An estimated 150,000 Scots - including approximately 40,000 youngsters - play football regularly.

The report argues that the sport is one of only a few areas that can affect health, crime, educational achievement, the sense of national well-being and the promotion of Scotland world wide.

The report also calls on the Executive to review the decision to end funding for football academies, recommending ministers consult with clubs on the issue. Few clubs in Scotland have their own academies.

In addition the committee wants ministers to continue to provide funding to the fans group Supporters' Direct and to the Show Racism the Red Card campaign.

Michael Matheson MSP, the SNP's culture and sport spokesman, called on the Executive to significantly increase its investment in youth football.

Mr Matheson, who is a member of the Enterprise and Culture Committee, said: "This report highlights the serious lack of Executive support that is being provided to youth football.

"This is a key area that must be supported if we are to help raise the standard of the Scottish game both at a domestic and international level."

Source: The Scotsman