Uncertain future for Limavady Utd
Thursday, 14 August 2008
New chairman David Young claims that some rules laid down by the IFA are ‘petty’ and are having a serious impact on clubs such as Limavady Utd.
LIMAVADY United faces an uncertain future without immediate financial aid from the IFA, according to local UUP Councillor and chairman of Limavady Sports Council Jack Rankin.
Councillor Rankin, a former coach and long term supporter of the club, believes the IFA could do more to help teams like Limavady and save them from possibly going under.
He said: "When I gave up my position as trainer I continued to support the team and was thrilled when the club gained promotion into the Irish Senior League. During the club's time as a member of the senior league they always gave a very good account of themselves and were able to involve the stronger sides such as Linfield and Glentoran.
“Unfortunately, the club failed to gain access to the newly formed 12 league set up, due to the required documentation not being filled in and returned on time to the IFA. The facts relating to this are not for me to discuss but this failure has left Limavady without a Premier club and the financial benefits that visiting clubs such as Linfield and Glentoran bring to smaller clubs."
Cllr Rankin explained that the club is currently carrying out renovations to the dressing rooms in order to meet the requirements laid down by the IFA, so as to be able to play senior football.
He continued: "I commend them for proceeding with the work even though no grants have as yet been made available.
“Clubs in the same position as Limavady have been let down by the IFA who, incidentally, seem to go from one crisis to another. I would ask where has the £8m gone that was set aside some years ago, I am led to believe that 50 per cent of this money has already been used for other purposes.
“I would appeal to those people who are members of the IFA to release money in order to give financial help to clubs like Limavady or otherwise it will have an adverse effect on the running of clubs and perhaps could see some clubs going out of existence.
“I extend my best wishes to David Young the new Limavady Utd chairman and wish him and his committee every success for the future."
