BEWDLEY Town joint boss Craig Payton has called on football’s governing bodies to put their heads together in an attempt to support non-league and parks football in rural areas.
Payton has been alarmed by the number of grass roots clubs which have disappeared in recent years and can envisage a further decline.
He said: “Something’s got to be done to help football in rural areas.
“I know when people see Bewdley’s postcode they don’t want to help and there is more of a focus on the cities.
“Teams in Birmingham and Wolverhampton also need help but I dread to think where football in our area will be in a few years’ time.
“There used to ten or 12 teams from the Kidderminster League pushing to get into the West Midlands League but now it is down to three.
“It’s not even about pitches, it’s about money and if the FA and leagues could come together to solve this problem it would be special.”
Town’s clash at Sporting Khalsa on Saturday was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch and Payton does not hold out much hope for Saturday’s trip to Wellington (3pm ko) and Tuesday’s home match against Bilston (7.45pm ko).
To find out if the games go ahead visit bewdleytownfc.co.uk
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