Shock as Merton Council tells Wimbledon Little League football charity it will have to pay £5,000 a year if kids want to play on Saturday mornings

Wimbledon youngsters have been using football pitches for free for 40 years on a Saturday morning, but now Merton Council says it wants to charge the charity that runs the sessions more than £5,000 a season.

The volunteer-run Wimbledon Little League - which provides football for 430 kids aged six to 14 - says it won't be able to afford to run if it has to pay.

And, that it will be the children who will suffer if Merton Council carries out its threat.

Julian Stevens, who runs WLL, says the football, held on a Saturday morning at Joseph Hood Rec, off Martin Way, is open to all children, irrespective of ability. He says it is a great way for children to make new friends, play in a team and learn new skills, as well as helping them to stay healthy and away from the TV.

The children are charged minimal subs to allow those from low income families to take part. The money from the subs goes towards goal posts, kit, equipment, insurance and upkeep of the canteen.

"We're all volunteers here and we work hard to keep the league going. But if we are forced to pay more than £5,000 per season, which is an incredible amount of money to us, we will struggle to keep it going," he says.

He says that Merton Council has also grossly overestimated the costs of maintaining the pitches and suggestions that the grass would not be mowed or mowed less if it weren't for Little League matches were ridiculous.

Ian Balaam, aged 47, and chairman of WLL, says he started playing in the league when he was ten and has remained involved with the charity ever since.

"I've had players that I've taught, who have had kids and are now at Little League," said Mr Balaam.

"We are like one big family. It's great for the community, but more importantly it's essential for children who need to have something to do.

Notable former WLL players include Steve Finnan, who played for Fulham, Liverpool and the Republic of Ireland, Chris Perry, of Wimbledon and Tottenham fame, John Gannon from Wimbledon and Sheffield United, Darren Anderson, of Charlton Athletic and Aldershot and Bas Savage of Bristol City, Brighton & Hove Albion and Tranmere Rovers.

Another famous face is comedian Paul Merton from the TV show, Have I got News For You, who played in the Morden Little League, which is also fighting plans to introduce pitch fees.

Mr Stevens says the committee and parents plan to fight the proposals and they will be launching a petition soon. He is also asking people to contact their local councillors to support their fight against the proposals. And, as always WLL is looking for sponsors to help support the charity.

If you can help contact Mr Stevens at: julian-67@hotmail.co.uk