Whitburn Juniors secretary Raymond Wallace admits cash concern

Feb 4 2010 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

THE recent cold snap has left dozens of junior football matches on ice in recent weeks but the biggest casualty could turn out to be some of the clubs themselves.

The coldest winter on record has left some clubs with barely a fixture in eight weeks putting unprecedented financial strain on the clubs.

Club’s all over the country are feeling the strain and West Lothian’s own Whitburn Juniors FC have confirmed the struggles being faced by junior clubs.

Burnie club secretary Raymond Wallace admitted it was a worrying time for everyone involved in the game.

“We have had no gate income, no pie money income, and no raffle income but still we have to pay the players wages for training every week,” explained Wallace.

“The current financial situation the whole country is in is affecting us hugely.

“It is common knowledge that we spoke to the players regarding the situation and they have been terrific in their support.

“The committee met with the players on Tuesday night to discuss the situation and possibly renegotiate their contracts.

“We have a Social Club and they are helping as much as they can but a lot of Social Clubs are folding as well.”

The Scottish Junior FA are aware of the problems and this week revealed plans to shell out £160,000 to help the clubs.

All 160 SJFA clubs are set to benefit from a one-off payment of £1,000 but Wallace insists it’s not enough.

He said: “To make matters worse the SJFA have informed us the Inland Revenue are looking into the situation and are considering making us pay a minimum wage to players from the moment they leave their home to the time they return for training and games.

“This could very well see the end of a lot of clubs who couldn’t afford to pay that level of money.

“People talk of players’ greed but our players have been fantastic and they know it’s not just Whitburn.

“Many clubs are in the same financial mess and face an uncertain future.”

The situation is not exclusive to Whitburn and many are in real danger of folding.

SJFA chief Tom Johnston admitted it was their concern which prompted them to make the cash payment.

He added: “We felt we needed to do something as a lot of clubs have struggled to make ends meet.

“Hopefully these discretionary payments from reserves will help a few keep the wolves from the doors for a few weeks.

“It’s been tough with no gate money coming in.”