I agree to an extent that summer football is not the answer. I would play in a summer league however, and I would actually have no problem playing football all year round. So my question is why could they not run both? They could then see which one the various teams gravitate towards. Indeed maybe some clubs could have teams in both.
The main problems are definately the pitches or the facilities in general. They wish to switch to a summer league because too many weekends are washouts. Well if all teams had pitches with proper drainage that could handle a bit of water then this wouldn't be such an issue. Also some of the pitches are so bad, wet or dry you can't play football on them.
The Clare League should set a minimum standard that all clubs should meet with their pitch. Perhaps any club that's not up to scratch could be given 3 or 5 years or something to sort it out. If they fail they risk expulsion. Another idea perhaps could be that any team that has a certain amount of home games called off is warned or docked points or something.
If the standard of pitches are improved then perhaps facilities and hospitality could be next. Down at Olympic I feel ashamed that teams tog in half a tin box. Even this is an improvement from previous years as at least the away side has a place to change.
What I feel most ashamed about is that we don't look after the away club. While only a token gesture soup and sandwiches after the game is much appreciated and credit is due to the clubs that still offer them. This should be a requirement.
Oh and all this talk about Newtown's great facilities, it's pitches were under several inches of water for quite a few weeks. Hardly aspirational stuff
Just my 2c
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