In his weekly Caney’s Corner YLP column, Gavin Caney talks about the argument threatening football in Clenchwarton…
Petty squabbles and arguments litter village life but children should never be made to pay for them.
That’s exactly what’s happened in Clenchwarton now that a long-running dispute between the football club and parish council has exploded in such a way that 200 kids are being denied the right to play football.
They don’t deserve to be dragged into this unsavoury spat because some adults are acting in a less mature manner than those young players conduct themselves in while representing the club and village.
There’s plenty of claims, counter claims and mud-slinging doing the rounds as is always the way when emotions are running high. So let’s deal with the simple facts. As a result of an ongoing dispute over several matters including the amount of unpaid rent, the parish council has locked Clenchwarton FC out of its home ground. Neither side disputes that fact. And that is incredible in itself.
Clenchwarton Parish Council has picked up the proverbial ball and said “I’m going home” because they’ve been unable to reach a resolution that suits them despite being central to the issue. That’s bad enough for the adult players and incredible volunteers who bring so much joy to the village, community and area. But let’s focus on the children.
They are actively being blocked from the opportunity to exercise, socialise and dream of glory by an authority that is meant to best serve its parish. Those involved, even if only by association, should hang their heads in shame.
There are growing concerns around childhood obesity, a lack of adequate facilities and youngsters’ growing dependence on screen time and social media. So every effort should be made to support people’s attempts to create real-world activities that benefits the next generation – not closing the door on them.
Lots of people are angry – and so they should be. They became personally affected when the lockout impacted their sons and daughters, the children of their friends and family members.
The finer details of the dispute appear to be exceptionally unreasonable to a football club that works tirelessly to make the best out of its fairly modest, at best, facilities. What use is an empty field and clubhouse anyway? Who benefits from stopping the club’s teams playing? No wonder people are questioning what agenda is really at play here.
In reality, the whys and why nots behind it all matter little. The eight-year-old girl, who has been inspired by the Lionesses’ latest success, being unable to play football in her village does. The benefits, social and physical, that she is being denied are endless.
In its 50th season, Clenchwarton should be celebrating a proud history and decades of making an impact rather than fearing for its own future. Like it or not, sport and community matters. If a resolution can’t be found, it’ll be the biggest own goal ever scored in the village.
Parish council releases a statement
“As with all local councils, the services and amenities in Clenchwarton are supported by public funds through the council tax precept paid by residents.
“At a time when the cost of living continues to place pressure on households and demand on local facilities is rising, the costs associated with maintaining and providing these services have also increased significantly.
“We want to be clear that the council’s priority has always been to ensure that community facilities remain accessible and affordable for all, and we remain committed to keeping costs as low as possible for parishioners. In doing so, we must also ensure that the rents charged for use of village facilities are fair, sustainable, and reflect the costs of upkeep – particularly when those facilities have required substantial investment over the years.
“Unfortunately, after more than 18 months of negotiations, it has not been possible to reach an agreement with Clenchwarton Football Club that balances these responsibilities with the club’s needs.
“The outstanding rental arrears of collectively £3,700 from all parties have further complicated the situation.
“It is with regret that we have had to suspend the club’s use of the facilities until a fair and sustainable agreement on terms of use and finances can be reached.
“We recognise and deeply value the role of sports in the community, especially those activities that promote health, wellbeing, and engagement among children and families. The council is fully aware of the importance of such opportunities and shares in the disappointment that this issue remains unresolved.”
Visit clenchwartonparishcouncil.gov.uk/category/news to read the full statement
Football club has its say on argument
“We are proud to serve as a focal point for sporting spirit and community pride in the village and the wider West Norfolk area.
“For the past 18 months we have been trying to resolve the issue and have sought the engagement of the FA, borough council, local MPs and the county council, but at this point to no avail.
“It’s worth pointing out that the football club has been operating within the village of Clenchwarton for nearly 50 years on little more than a gentlemen’s agreement. Whilst we are wholeheartedly open to formalising the agreement between both parties, in its present form it is unsignable and would do irreparable damage to the club and be detrimental to its future.
“Currently the club is home to over 200 children and 30 men. This is split across 14 mixed youth teams, three girls’ teams and a men’s team, many of which come from within the village as well as attend the local primary schools.
“What is currently being proposed by the parish council has negatively impacted the club’s ability to provide for its members’ physical and mental well-being. It hasn’t only stopped the club playing football, it has stopped children, parents and grandparents meeting socially.
“We urge the parish council to end the lockout and re-engage in meaningful negotiations before irreparable damage is done to the club.
“We also urge the borough and county council, Norfolk FA and James Wild (MP) to engage with the club and help resolve this issue. We are not the only club in the area facing a problem like this and it cannot be allowed to continue.”
Visit facebook.com/Clenchwarton to read the full statement
