Grassroots clubs fear a clash with star’s soccer foundation
AROW has erupted between members of grassroots junior football clubs and ex-Premier League star Robbie Savage over his planned soccer foundation for children.
Representatives of four Macclesfield clubs have united to say the Savage Foundation plans would ‘clash’ with existing provision and seek to solve a problem that does not exist.
Hurdsfield Phoenix, Macclesfield Juniors, Park Royal and Tytherington Juniors have signed an open letter to the newly formed Macclesfield FC and the Savage Foundation raising 19 points of concern.
Among the complaints is that the Foundation’s new league has been set up for the same day of the weekend as existing junior sides play, forcing youngsters to chose rather than appear for both.
The clubs also say the major problem facing junior football is a lack of affordable facilities.
Macclesfield FC has offered its new pitch to the Savage Foundation for free but, aside from one hour a week on a first-come-firstserved basis, it will only be available to the clubs at a price that the four say is ‘unaffoardable’.
The Foundation describes its aim as to provide ‘inclusive and free access to grassroots football irrespective of background or ability’ for children aged five to 12 ‘that for whatever reason are unable to access current grassroots facilities’.
But the clubs’ letter states there needs to be more ‘clear and open’ dialogue and better information as to how the Foundation fits in with other elements of the grassroots community.
The Savage Foundation is fronted by player turned pundit Robbie Savage, who is also director of football at Macclesfield FC.
A written response has come from the Foundation reiterating its desire to provide free football for all and criticising ‘seemingly adverse self-serving agendas of individuals’.
A member of the group of clubs said: “It’s unprecedented for the clubs of Macclesfield to come together like this.
“Most clubs have these set ups in place (already), it’s what grassroots clubs have been offering families for 30 years. The foundation should be set up to compliment this, from the outside looking in it looks like its been set up to clash.
”We are grateful for the response and some points have been clarified some perhaps need a direct dialogue. All four clubs hope to move forward and work with the foundation for the betterment of grassroots junior football.”
The junior clubs say they are four of the six main grassroots organisations in Macclesfield and represent hundreds of families.
But the Foundation describes them as ‘four small clubs purporting to be the voice of grassroots’ in the town.
In the open letter clubs praise the notion of free football for all but say it must be done in the right way. They point out this is effectively already offered as any child from a family who cannot afford to play is given the necessary help.
The Savage Foundation was launched earlier this month saying it wants to promote physical and mental wellbeing.
It has the backing of the FA and Sport England, while the existing clubs’ stance has been supported by organisations such as the Stockport Metro Junior Football League and the Alderley Football League.
The Foundation’s written response says more than 250 youngsters have already signed up - proving that there was a need for its football offering. It states that it gave the opportunity of a Zoom call to one grassroots clubs, expecting this offer to be shared among others, but this was not taken up.
In terms of community inclusion the Foundation says there will be a free junior league at the Macclesfield FC ground and teams from it will have the chance to train there for an hour on Tuesdays on a first-comefirst-served basis.
The statement says: “Our evidence is stark and clarifies that there are children who are unable to access grassroots football - either because of selective issues based on ability or the affordability of fees and tie in conditions.
“One of the core values of The Savage Foundation is inclusiveness and having fun over individual ability or competitiveness - which we appreciate is not always the motive of all grassroots clubs, who seek to compete and win as a priority - hence our drive.”