Gwent FA discriminating against English children
20 July 2009
The ruling by Gwent FA would prevent children living in England playing in the East Gwent league meaning that children from just across the border in Sedbury, Beachley and Tutshill would no longer be eligible to participate in the league.
The result of this will mean 53 children, 27% of current club membership, will no longer be allowed to play affecting several sides and making it impossible for some of them to continue as they will have insufficient numbers. Several coaches and managers will also become ineligible. Mark has written to both Gwent FA and Alun Jones AM, Welsh Heritage Minister at the Welsh Assembly Government, to ask why this has been allowed to go ahead.
Commenting on this unfairness, Mark said:
“This kind of petty bureaucracy is discriminating against English children who just want to play football with their friends. The Gwent FA should think again and ditch this silly rule.”
Mark had the opportunity to raise this issue in Parliament whilst debating sport during the Equality Bill Committee, where he said:
“Based on the admittedly limited facts that I have been able to furnish, is what Gwent FA is doing lawful? If she confirms that it is, I contend that it is not sensible…I would be grateful to explore what the law says on the subject.”
In response the Solicitor General said;
“My first instinct was that it was lawful-if mean-to do what the club had done”
