REGARDING your report 'Kidd must take lead' (LET, February 5), I delayed responding until reading 'Solutions'.

While it is commendable to concentrate on Under-19s games, for it be totally effective, it is necessary to apply such measures, and more, in all schools football games, irrespective of year group.

My experience of modern schools football is that the organisation is woefully poor. Examples are, no qualified referee, no linesmen, no medical kit, no adequate match ball, no pitch markings - I could go on.

I have witnessed players, suspended by the Lancashire Football Association, playing for their school. When questioned, teachers have replied they don't know anything about it.

What particularly galls me was Dr David Hempsall's comments: "As educators, however, we must cultivate our own garden which is, quite clearly, being overrun by the weeds from a local league mentality."

I have, for many years, worked closely with the officials of junior leagues, junior clubs and referees, and to describe the thousand-plus participants as 'weeds' is an insult to the players and the tremendous voluntary effort that is put in by these officials who provide so much enjoyment for young people while maintaining a disciplined environment.

It is sad that Jim Kenyon, secretary of the Lancashire Football Association, was not heard to jump to the defence of his members when this most unfortunate comment by Dr Hempsall was made.

Never mind the selective forum - involve the junior leagues. They have so much to offer in the way of experience, advice and commitment.

KEVIN LAMBERT (groundsman, Lyndon House Playing Fields, Great Harwood), Prospect Terrace, Whalley Road, Altham West, Accrington.

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