I REFER to the article regarding Weobley’s under-13 football team of which my son is a member (Team fined and has points rem- oved for missing game, Her- eford Times, February 19).

I agree with Weobley’s manager, Nick Locke, that to lose the only point the team has won this season is disheartening for all the children involved.

I’m sure that many other teams in small rural areas may be in a similar challenging situation when trying to field a team.

I just feel that at a time when we are trying to engage children and teenagers in physical activity and promoting ‘grass roots’ football, rules such as these do nothing to encourage the children or the coaches who give their time to support our children.

I recognise there has to be rules for any organisation to be run effectively.

However, it just seems that penalising a group of children for a situation that is out of their control is harsh, and does nothing to inspire or motivate them.

TRACY SANDFORD Weobley