Currently Bath City Youth FC provide "not for profit" football coaching and matches for approximately 350 boys and girls from aged 5 through to aged 18. The majority of training and matches takes place at Odd Down Playing Fields. This facility is managed under contract on behalf of the council by GLL, which is also a "not for profit" organisation. We have just been informed that with effect from next season, the grass pitches and 3G training venue will be increasing in price by 40-50%. This price increase will increase our expenditure by approximately £3000 and this cost will have to be passed on to the parents.

Additionally, 2 x available concessionary clubs have been nominated by the Somerset FA that give these clubs an unfair advantage over all other clubs wishing to use the facility. Concessionary rates are 20-25% lower than what all others will have to pay and surely that just can't be fair? It is our view that rates should be on a level par for all wishing to use the excellent facility and any increase in hire costs should be in line with inflation and not subject to large price increases just because the facility as a whole is losing money. Surely sport should be affordable and equally available to everybody.

If you think this is wrong and the concessionary rates should be available to all chartered status clubs and charities and that price increases should be kept to a level in line with inflation, then please sign this petition as we are keen to contest this decision and need the backing of club members to have a chance of making the council listen.

Many thanks for your time and support for this worthy cause.