DARLASTON TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB AND GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL

Early day motion 501, tabled 10 September 2013 by Valerie Vaz (Labour). Signed by 5 members.

That this House notes the closure of Darlaston Town Football Club (DTFC) owing to financial difficulties at the beginning of the 2013-14 season; further notes the part DTFC has played in the community since it was founded in 1874; welcomes the decision by supporters to re-register the club with the Birmingham FA; praises the effort to raise £5,000 so that the club can be re-established and compete again in the 2014-15 season; wishes DTFC great success in the future; further notes Chairman of the Football Association Greg Dyke's comments on the importance of home-grown players reaching the highest levels of the game; believes that grassroots clubs can play a crucial role in achieving a higher national standard if the Football Association (FA) offers appropriate support; calls on the Premier League clubs and the FA to do more in supporting grassroots football at every level; and further calls on the Government to foster grassroots development in football.

Signatures by party: Labour 4, Independent 1.