Robbie Savage hits out at 'nonsensical, draconian restrictions' preventing children playing grass-roots football

Robbie Savage has questioned why children are still facing the most “draconian restrictions” as he stepped up his campaign for the return of grass-roots football.

In an open letter to the Government, the former Wales international said the current rules preventing children from playing football are “nonsensical”, given the easing of lockdown in other areas of society.

Savage said he believes the Government is now following “economic science” rather than medical science as he warned that the absence of grass-roots sport will damage a generation of children.

“As lockdown has eased, I really cannot comprehend the consistency across current restrictions,” Savage wrote. “What fails me is to understand why those universally agreed to be the least vulnerable and susceptible in society to Covid-19, i.e. kids, are the ones facing some of the most continuing draconian restrictions. Does it not seem nonsensical?”

Under the latest restrictions, groups of up to six are allowed to practice together but the ongoing social distancing rules prevent any matches or physical contact.

Savage added that the problem goes far beyond grass-roots football, extending to other sports and hobbies that children cannot currently enjoy.

“There are too many to mention,” Savage wrote. “But the common denominator and the worst affected are our kids. Their wellbeing, social skills and their education. Can someone tell me if they are not the future of our society and deserve better consideration?”

Savage, who is also a youth football coach, has become one of the most prominent campaigners for the return of the grass-roots game after he quizzed health secretary Matt Hancock on the subject during a Downing Street press briefing in May.

The Football Association is in talks with the Government about protocols for how grass-roots and recreational football might return later in the year. Telegraph Sport revealed last month that grass-roots and non-league clubs are increasingly optimistic they will be cleared to resume matches in September or October.

“One thing is for sure,” Savage wrote. “There is little attention being paid to social sciences and the wellbeing of our children’s mental and physical health through sport. Any parent will tell you: kids are at bursting point for social integration via their chosen hobbies.”

His latest intervention comes two days after pubs, restaurants, cinemas and hairdressers were allowed to reopen in England, albeit with strict social distancing rules.

Savage added: “I will not give in. I will continue to raise pertinent points and be the voice for those that can’t always be heard. But I fear that people in positions that can make a change are not always listening to understand, just listening to reply. Understanding is the beginning of change.

“This is a big communication problem. If this position does not change very soon, I fear this will be hugely damaging to the prosperity of all of our futures - our children.”