SO DESPITE the call during Euro 2012 for more investment in youth football development in England, Crawley Town has decided to do the exact opposite and close its youth set-up for under-16s and downwards (The Argus, July 5).
In doing so the club loses potential footballing talent which could serve it well in the future, without the need for big transfer fees.
The move also shatters the hopes of more than 100 children, some of whom had only recently signed contracts and were one step closer to their dreams.
And this on the same day The Argus says there is enough money to hire a club chaplain for the first time.
The cost difference between category 3 and category 4 status, which defines the age at which youngsters can enroll with a football club, is £215,000.
Surely a club which has just received prize money for two consecutive promotions, not to mention a couple of high-value sales, can afford to invest in what one would describe as the future of the club?
P Whitmore, Brighton
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