Question:
418 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation his views on the fact that many teenage boys sign up for British professional soccer clubs to further their careers. [13848/01]
Written Answers - International Soccer Transfers.
Question:
425 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the steps he will take to discourage young teenage boys signing up to British professional soccer clubs; the further steps he will take to ensure that there are adequate facilities and coaching skills here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13849/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 418 and 425 together.
I am pleased that FIFA and UEFA have recently reached agreement with the European Commission in relation to international transfers in football, which includes a special provision in relation to restrictions on international transfers of young players. I had conveyed to the Commission my concern that the protection and welfare of young players be addressed in the context of the negotiations with the football authorities and, in addition, the need for the protection of young sports men and women is also expressed in the Declaration on Sport agreed at the European Council at Nice in December 2000.
The question of transfers is one primarily for the sports organisations concerned. In this context, the Deputy may be aware already that the Football Association of Ireland has appointed a dedicated officer to deal with the protection, welfare, educational, vocational and career guidance needs of young footballers, particularly in the context of offers to sign for clubs abroad, and in consultation also with the parents and family of the player, as appropriate.
Meanwhile, the greatly increased funding for sport achieved by the present Government – an increase from £13.5 million when we took office in 1997 to around £83 million this year – has considerably enhanced the range and quality of coaching, training, development and support programmes available from the governing bodies of sport, organisations and clubs, often in conjunction with The National Coaching and Training Centre, in high quality facilities across a wide spectrum of sports.