Don’t sideline amateur football

Re. “FC Edmonton seeking city’s help with stadium,” April 13

It is great news that FC Edmonton is bringing professional soccer back to this city, but at what cost? A survey of major cities in North America indicated Edmonton is the only city that does not allow amateur football to present league or playoff games in its major stadium, in our case, Commonwealth Stadium.

Last year the High School Football League was allowed to present three playoff games in Commonwealth, a major breakthrough.

It is a mystery why FC Edmonton would spend millions to renovate old Clarke Stadium and not apply these funds to cover the rental of Commonwealth. The proposal suggests the City of Edmonton should also pay a portion of these renovation costs.

Please don’t take any tax revenue you have gained from us over the years and apply it to this ridiculous project. Assign someone from Community Services to work with FC Edmonton to use Commonwealth and leave Clarke alone.

Allow teams from the Prairie Football Conference, the High School Football League and Capital District Minor Football Association to use Clarke as one of their primary facilities. Let us, as a city, move out of last place in North America in not only roadway management but primary stadium use.

Arnie Enger, Edmonton