SPORTS teams of all genres and ages are at the centre of communities up and down the country.

From senior teams to youth clubs, grassroots sport, in particular football, has often been the lifeblood of towns and villages for generations.

To that end, the news that demand for youth football at Heddon Juniors FC has increased from four teams two years ago to an impressive 18 squads now, should be celebrated as a success story.

The fact that parents and youngsters are now flocking to the club, which is currently based at Selman Park, is a huge vote of confidence in the coaching and playing experiences on offer.

However, instead of encouraging youth development activities in their village, it would seem members of the parish council have been taken aback by the speed of growth the club is currently experiencing.

Approaching the issue from the point of view of the sports field being available for use by the whole community, the council has drawn up some restrictions on its use.

Both organisations are now at odds over the way forward and what the future will look like for Heddon Juniors.

We would encourage the club and the parish council to work with Northumberland County Council and Northumberland FA, in the hope that a solution can be found which works for the club and the community.