Players are calling for district level funding for girls’ football

• WELL done Nurullah Turan, Islington Council executive member for health and social care, for launching a new sport and physical activity strategy Islington Active Together (Women’s football is now booming at last, so why can’t these girls play in a district league?, September 29).

Over the years many sports fields have been lost to redevelopment. I well remember the Margaret Thatcher premiership years for the removal of vital play areas.

It is gratifying to read that Cllr Turan has the interests of girls’ teams advancing on the road to glory and a route to greater success with England’s Lionesses.

Perhaps there can also be backing for the campaign to safeguard the soccer pitches at Finsbury Sports Centre, which are still subject to being reduced to dust to make way for a new-look housing development and medical centre?

There has never been a better time than now to safeguard our precious play areas with the local authority always highlighting the grim levels of obesity in young children.

We must be vigilant and make sure that our play areas are sanctified and that they are made secure for future generations.

Perhaps Cllr Turan can further publicise his sports and leisure activities programme with a presentation at our superbly revamped Vibast Centre in Old Street?

NIGEL GANSELL
Radnor Street, EC1