An under-13s football coach is furious that Essex County Football Association excluded his team from a cup competition.
Peter Lewis, Earls Colne's U13 team coach, took his side off the pitch during a match after he claims they were intimidated and assaulted by other players.
Mr Lewis, 49, said two of his 12-year-olds were kicked and punched during the Colchester and District Youth League Cup game.
He said he stepped in by ordering his players to march off the field, ten minutes into the second half, as the referee had failed to take any action.
Mr Lewis's son Christian, 13, is in the team, and the concerned dad said he wanted to protect all the boys' safety.
He said: "I am looking after them, they are in my care, and the parents of the boys would not be best pleased if I let them get beaten up."
Colchester FA disqualified the team for stopping a game, and when building project manager Mr Lewis appealed, Essex FA upheld Colchester's decision.
Mr Lewis said: "There's a big thing nationally at the moment about the premiership players talking back to referees, and they are trying to stamp it out.
"The top brass of the FA are saying we need to stop this at grass-roots level. At 12-years-old, they need to be taught and that's exactly what we do, we teach them.
"The decision that Essex FA has taken is not supporting that at all. My boys have been penalised. I am just outraged."
Chris Evans, Essex County FA spokesman, said the decision was final and binding.
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9:58am Thursday 8th May 2008
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CommentPosted by: Kevo on 1:40pm Thu 8 May 08
Who were the other team?
Posted by: local on 3:36pm Thu 8 May 08
Go high up in the FA and take what has been said to them, there is way too much bad language and behaviour in football these days, even with youth teams
Go high up in the FA and take what has been said to them, there is way too much bad language and behaviour in football these days, even with youth teams
Posted by: Ozzie, Ipswich on 4:07pm Thu 8 May 08
Sirs,
For reasons best known to that football club hailing from a deprived council estate in Colchester, I was asked to leave their services some years ago because I did not agree with their tactics or the way they aggressively trained the boys. Looks like i made the right decision. The structure of that particular club NOW! They employ managers with a 'win at all costs' attitude and do not develop the comararaderie and team spirit needed to be 'successful' as a club. It is no wonder they had their 5 a side tournament cancelled by the C & DYL. ANd they tried to accuse me of things! Try looking closer to home!
Good luck Earls Colne with your appeal.
Sirs,
For reasons best known to that football club hailing from a deprived council estate in Colchester, I was asked to leave their services some years ago because I did not agree with their tactics or the way they aggressively trained the boys. Looks like i made the right decision. The structure of that particular club NOW! They employ managers with a 'win at all costs' attitude and do not develop the comararaderie and team spirit needed to be 'successful' as a club. It is no wonder they had their 5 a side tournament cancelled by the C & DYL. ANd they tried to accuse me of things! Try looking closer to home!
Good luck Earls Colne with your appeal.
Posted by: Andy, Colchester on 8:57pm Thu 8 May 08
The people running the game, from the FA downwards, do not have a clue. I spent over 10 years with 2 clubs in the C&DYL. The organisers do not care less about the youngsters. Common sense & fairness are totally missing. I have the upmost respect for most of the referees but some do favour certain clubs, and in this case it may be he had some affiliation to the other club. Well done to the Earls Colne Mgr for making a stand & protecting his boys.
The people running the game, from the FA downwards, do not have a clue. I spent over 10 years with 2 clubs in the C&DYL. The organisers do not care less about the youngsters. Common sense & fairness are totally missing. I have the upmost respect for most of the referees but some do favour certain clubs, and in this case it may be he had some affiliation to the other club. Well done to the Earls Colne Mgr for making a stand & protecting his boys.
Posted by: alan, marks tey on 9:14pm Thu 8 May 08
So much for child protection, the Colchester youth league and county FA should applaud Peter Lewis for his actions. I too as a youth team manager did the same thing and was fined and lost league points.
I have no doubt Col Peter Andrews will respond in favour of the league but football must always come second to child safety. Well done Mr Lewis, referees must protect players.
So much for child protection, the Colchester youth league and county FA should applaud Peter Lewis for his actions. I too as a youth team manager did the same thing and was fined and lost league points.
I have no doubt Col Peter Andrews will respond in favour of the league but football must always come second to child safety. Well done Mr Lewis, referees must protect players.
Posted by: Peter Lewis, Earls Colne on 6:45pm Fri 9 May 08
Hi to all just a quick thanks to all of you who posted comments, it will also be on SGR on Sunday, every hour on the hour, have a listen
Cheers and thanks again for your support, Pete
Hi to all just a quick thanks to all of you who posted comments, it will also be on SGR on Sunday, every hour on the hour, have a listen
Cheers and thanks again for your support, Pete
Posted by: lea gidden, Halstead on 8:15pm Fri 9 May 08
As the mother of one of these boys I am outraged that the FA do not wish to support our teams manager to protect our children and encourage fair play. The only message their actions convey is that violence is acceptable.
These bureaucrats have denied a very successful team a chance in the cup.
As the mother of one of these boys I am outraged that the FA do not wish to support our teams manager to protect our children and encourage fair play. The only message their actions convey is that violence is acceptable.
These bureaucrats have denied a very successful team a chance in the cup.
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