Wexford football club forced to ‘turn away members’ following decision not to make pitch free of charge

By Simon Bourke, Wexford People

One of Wexford’s biggest football clubs says it will have no choice but to “turn away new members” for the coming season due to the costs of using the playing field at the local park.

Last month, councillors in the Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District (GKMD) voted against making the pitch at the park free to use and, as a result, Gorey Rangers says it has now been placed in a “very difficult position”.

Although the cost of using the pitch was reduced by 25pc (from €40 per hour to €30) a spokesperson for Gorey Rangers said this rate is not feasible for a club which has “tripled in size” in recent years.

“Gorey Rangers AFC wishes to express its disappointment following the recent decision by the members not to reduce the fees associated with the use of the town park to a level that would be feasible for our club,” the spokesperson said. “Unfortunately, the decision that was made regarding the fee structure places the club in a very difficult position. The costs are now beyond what is sustainable for a volunteer run community organisation.”

In addition to turning away new members, Gorey Rangers may now be forced to reduce its numbers as it attempts to navigate the financial costs associated with playing on a surface which is made available, free of charge, for three local schools in the area.

“This is a decision we never imagined we would face, and it will have a real impact on young people who rely on sport for development wellbeing and inclusion,” said the spokesperson. “Gorey Rangers has always worked positively with the municipal district, and we remain committed to doing so. However, we cannot meet the needs of our growing membership without a fair and realistic approach to facility fees.

"We respectfully ask the members to reconsider this matter in the interest of supporting local sport young people and community participation.”

Councillor Craig Doyle has repeatedly called upon council officials to eliminate any costs associated with using the pitch for Gorey Rangers, and although he received the support of Cllrs Joe Sullivan, Mary Farrell, and Nicky Boland at last month’s meeting he was ultimately outvoted by the five colleagues who opposed his proposals.

And with the club now considering trimming its playing staff, Cllr Doyle said this will impact children in ways which stretch beyond the football field.

“The concerns raised by Gorey Rangers highlight a wider issue facing community sport,” he said. “Volunteer run clubs like Gorey Rangers and other clubs in the town exist mainly to provide safe, inclusive and affordable opportunities for young people. When the cost of accessing public facilities becomes unsustainable, those opportunities are put at risk.

“Public facilities are meant to serve the community. A fairer approach to fees would recognise the value these clubs provide and ensure young people are not excluded from sport due to cost.”

Not willing to admit defeat just yet, Cllr Doyle said he would continue to campaign on the club’s behalf in the hope that it would be eventually be able to use the pitch free of charge.

“Hopefully we can reconsider the current decision next year and reduce the fees further which would be a positive step in supporting local participation, wellbeing and community life. I fully understand that the books need to be balanced but in my opinion supporting local sport isn’t a cost it’s an investment into our community.”