IN RESPONSE to an article by Stephen Rylance in the GUARDIAN August 31.
The Warrington Sunday Football League puts on record its position regarding the allegations in the newspaper article.
The Warrington Sunday Football League categorically denies that it has acted in a discriminatory manner against a club whose members have a physical disability. The league's decision not to accept the application for membership from Warrington & District Society for Deaf People's Sports and Social Club, was based on the same criteria as for all new clubs seeking membership. These included: financial stability, organisation, playing ability, and availability of places. In this instance there were no further vacancies for new clubs in the league. However, as with all applicants, if we are unable to offer them a place in our league we put them in touch with our neighbours in local leagues where we are pleased that they have found a vacancy. In this particular application, the committee also considered the potential difficulties that could be encountered by both competing teams and the officials, when communication becomes a problem. The safety of all participants in the game is of paramount importance, and questions were raised on these issues with the applicants.
The Sunday League does not discriminate against groups whether on grounds of sex, religion, age or race, and only recently took strong action against a case of racial abuse.
Each and every application for membership from clubs is treated on its own merits and on varying criteria. We would be more than happy to receive a new application from The Deaf People's Sports and Social Club for next season should they be able to satisfy the league on it's genuine concerns and the normal acceptance criteria.
The Sunday Football League has served the Warrington area for 36 years and has a proud record of providing open age football and being an important part of the Warrington community. It is deeply offended by the suggestions of disability discrimination and vehemently refutes any such allegations.
STEPHEN NEAREY - Chairman
On behalf of The Warrington Sunday Football League
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