Richard Horner, left, and Martin Preston, both from the English FA, with Sir Trevor Brooking at Blanchelande College field watch Rangers minis have a kick-about. (Picture by Steve Sarre, 0568059)
FOOTBALL in Guernsey is well funded. Despite calls from soccer legend Sir Trevor Brooking yesterday that the States does not provide funding for the sport, Culture and Leisure chief officer Dave Chilton said that was not the case.
He said financial support is given by the States through the Guernsey Sports Commission, which has a football development officer, and England’s Football Association.
‘Culture and Leisure, which supports the commission, puts a lot of effort into funding all sports and football is one of the biggest in the island.’ He said in general football facilities were very good in Guernsey.
‘You could always want more funding but that is the same for all sports,’ said Mr Chilton.
‘There are lots of sports on the island that require similar funding and facilities and we would suggest that football is well supported.’
He said any more funding would be a good thing, but only ‘in an ideal world’.
He said basketball was one of those sports that could receive more funding.
‘The GFA do a really good job and are supported both nationally and locally and we are very pleased to work with them.’
North’s Corbet Cup coach of two years Mark Totty said any form of extra funding would be good, but that Guernsey is pretty well off when it comes to the sport.
‘I’m not aware how much money the GFA receive from the UK or the States but considering the size of the island I think we do quite well for pitches.’
Mr Totty, who has coached North for seven years, said people could want more and the island does have other needs.
‘My only gripe would be that some facilities in open parks, especially involving children, could benefit from some covered accommodation. More funding could be given to equipment for kids,’ he said.
He said he was happy with the GFA’s five-year plan as regards the mini and youth levels.
‘I have a slight problem with the senior level, but that’s another issue,’ he said.
* The five-year plan will radically change football in the island and includes proposals for a 16-to-23 development league to replace the Jackson and Youth One Leagues with promotion and regulation and rolling subs in all leagues apart from the top flight.
The FA template for the plan was provided in December and was followed by consultation.
Island clubs would still prefer the GFA to change the band from the current 16-to-21 one.
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