Newbury Sunday League on brink of collapse, as Chairman pleads for new clubs
Sunday League football in Newbury is in crisis.
Ten years ago, the league had 21 teams, comprising three divisions.
A decade on, they now have just seven sides altogether.
The past two years alone have seen eight clubs call it quits.
Chairman of the league, Bill Fry, fears that this season could be the last, after 57 years of local football.
Asked to explain why the number of sides had decreased so catastrophically, Fry laid out what he sees as the causes.
“Costs, locally”, he said.
“The FA say grassroots football is supported, but it's not easy to get money out of them.
“It isn't subsidised, so the clubs have to dig into their pockets.”
The costs which go into setting up a club may be surprising to some.
“Be prepared to have a starting budget of £1,000.
“You're looking at two full kits, balls, first aid kit, pitch hire, referees”, he said.
Fry views the crisis as more than just financial, though.
“I think it's a general attitude that seems to have crept in”, he claims.
“People wake up for a Sunday morning after being out for a few beers.
“They don't want to get on and play sport first thing.
“People that run the clubs get a bit despondent about players not turning up.
“For not fulfilling a fixture, it's a £50 fine.
“We say that if you’ve got eight players, it's better to get the fixture played anyway.
“Yes, you might get a heavy defeat, but you're not being punished financially.
“I think I would like to change the attitude of players, really.”
When asked how that could be done however, Fry said, “I don't think we can. I think it's already in society.”
No matter the diagnosis, the fact remains that the league is in desperate need of new clubs and new energy.
This season will see Paggie’s Bar return to the league after a year away, whilst The Crickets pub in Thatcham will launch their new side as the only debutant.
So what would Fry’s message be to those who have ever considered getting involved?
“That it’s rewarding.
“Whether you’re a company, a pub, a group of mates, we’re a phone call away and we will support you. There’s still plenty of time to enter ahead of the new season.
“It gives you something to look forward to and you make a lot of friends through football.
“It'd be a tragedy to see it go.
Bill Fry can be contacted at william.fry5@btinternet.com and 07964058344
