This short-sighted sell off is going to have serious health implications for generations to come
GMB, the union for amateur and semi-professional footballers, has warned England’s footballing future is at risk as it reveals the Government has approved the sale of more than 200 school playing fields since 2010.
Since May 2010, a total of 215 school playing fields have been flogged across the country
According to NHS figures, 28% of 2-15 year olds were overweight or obese.
The Conservatives have pushed ahead with the sell offs, despite being highly critical in the past. In 2009 Jeremy Hunt, then Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, said: 'The fact that more than 200 pitches have been sold with direct ministerial approval shows Labour's commitment to school sport is nothing more than an empty promise.’
Last year, GMB launched its Footballers United branch to protect non-league players from career-ending injuries and promote the grass roots of the game.
Francis Duku, GMB Organiser, said:
“The Government has cut education funding to such an extent schools are being forced to flog their playing fields to make ends meet.
"It's pretty hypocritical for Conservative Ministers to push through the sell-offs they once condemned.
“At a time when the nation is celebrating the success of both the Men’s and Women’s national teams it’s a disgrace less and less school children will have anywhere to play.
“This short-sighted sell off the family silver is going to have serious health implications for generations to come.
“We need support for the semi-professional game and proper funding for the grassroots football which will produce the next generation of England stars."
