Springwood United expelled by Nepean District Soccer Football Association

10 May 10 @ 04:00pm by CHRIS GEORGAKOPOULOS

SPRINGWOOD United have been expelled by the Nepean District Soccer Football Association for next year, leaving 1100 junior footballers stranded.

The association took the drastic action against its biggest club after it withdrew teams from an NDSFA gala day.

Under the association’s laws, teams who withdraw cannot play other games on the same weekend.

“We withdrew our teams for a number of reasons but some of the parents organised their own games at Summerhayes Park,” Springwood United chairman Bruce Smith said.

“Our club did not know anything about it and we had informed our teams that they could not play at all.

“But to have a fuss over five-year-olds and suspend a club is over the top.”

He said his club was shocked by the association’s reaction.

“We are devastated at the moment,” he said.

“We did the right thing by informing our teams. We can’t do anything about it if they organise games between each other.

“On the day, NDSFA president John Churchward came to the ground and began yelling at me in front of the kids.

“But when asked whether we should take the kids off the park he said there was no need.

“Days later we have been issued with this fine.”

Springwood teams playing in NDSFA competitions will also play their next four games away from home as punishment.

Mr Churchward declined to comment until after an association committee meeting tomorrow night.

Mr Smith said his club was shocked by the decision, and also with the fact it was not allowed to defend the accusations.

“Every man in the country is liable to defend their case, whatever it may be,” he said. “We have been fined without a hearing or even a chance to speak.

“We have over 100 teams in their competitions and it would be a shame to lose them.”

Mr Smith said the club remained focused on working with the NDSFA for a solution.

“I firmly believe we can work this out with the association,” he said. “We are willing to work with them and sort this out.”

http://penrith-press.whereilive.com.au/sport/story/springwood-united-expelled-by-nepean-district-soccer-football-association/