Patricia Hewitt MP is campaigning for a 12 year old girl to continue playing football for her team, after a League has told her she cannot play.

Ellie Chapman, who plays for Friar Lane & Epworth Youth Football Club, has been told by Leicester & District Sunday Juniors League, that they will not allow mixed football next season. The League has said that they feel Ellie would get unfair and unwarranted attention. 

When the League refused her application, Ellie contacted her MP Patricia Hewitt who has written to the General Secretary of the League.

Patricia said: “I was very concerned to learn that Ellie cannot continue playing football for her club in this league. I believe Ellie has made a very strong and reasonable case to be allowed to continue playing mixed football.”

Ellie said: “Playing in this league means the absolute world to me. The League has said being a girl is an issue because boys grow up and physically get bigger and stronger, but I can assure them that I am just as good, dedicated and physically as strong.”

Leicester Mercury, Saturday 21st June 2008

An FA registered referee said: “In all my years as a referee, I have never treated anyone differently because of their age, gender or ability.”

The boys at the club said: “Ellie is a member of our team and we don’t treat her any differently because she is a girl. She is a great footballer and we really want her to play in league matches not just friendlies and tournaments.”

Ellie participated in a tournament on Saturday 14th June, playing in all three matches. One of the boys at the club said “She was as strong a player as the rest of us. None of the other teams treated her any different than the rest of us.”

Leagues that wish to allow mixed football, have until Friday 1st August to apply for a dispensation from the FA.

Do you support Patricia's campaign for Ellie to be allowed to play?

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