Cumberland FA’s chief executive Ben Snowdon has aimed part of his Christmas message at sections of the football community who have lowered standards in behaviour.
As a consequence the county is to make a plea in the new year for everyone involved in the local game to ensure that high standards are maintained.
He says: “We continue to receive reports of abuse from matches and believe that is time to say enough is enough to those who demonstrate this unacceptable behaviour.
“In January we will ask you all to make a New Year’s Resolution to support us as we increase our efforts in sending a clear message that the health and future of football depends upon us all taking responsibility and ensuring that high standards of behaviour are demonstrated both on and off the pitch.
“In the main, the behaviour of the large majority of those playing and watching football, is extremely positive, with most walking away from the experience having felt it was positive and wanting to do it again.
“Our clubs and leagues, and particularly those committees involved in running them, do a fantastic job, which is so much more than just being a football club or league. They have a role in their community and impact people and their lives in so many ways that transcend football. And they do this all for free!”
He went on to outline plans to help players and clubs through the current economic climate as they know the potential impact that this could have on those involved in the grassroots game.
“We are therefore planning to build upon the Adult Club Support Package and launch a similar package to support junior clubs.
“We also plan to remove all late fines and to look at working closer with funding partners to support clubs and individuals who may require assistance in the future to ensure they can continue to develop the game in their local vicinity. More details on this area of work will be released in the new year,” he says.
The CEO also mentioned the untimely deaths of two county stalwarts during the year.
He said: “We have lost two huge characters from the local game in John Twentyman, and more recently our Chairman Fred Conway.
“Both John and Fred leave behind a huge chasm of knowledge and character. Our thoughts go out to their families and all others who are facing up to a Christmas without a loved one.”
