LONDON, March 21 - Ten-year-old Londoner Minnie Cruttwell has reignited a
debate in soccer which looks set to run and run.
The schoolgirl from Balham wants to play football with the big boys and is
crying foul that when she is 12, Football Association (FA) rules dictate that
she cannot.
"It's really unfair. I like the team I'm with now and I don't want that to
change," defender Cruttwell said in a telephone interview.
The FA argue that the ruling is for her own good but Minnie and her father
Greg Cruttwell reckon the English game's governing body is out of touch and have
lined up some big guns in their efforts to change its mind.
Not only is the campaign to allow Minnie to continue playing with boys her
own age backed by a cabinet minister responsible for the running of sport in
Britain, but the women's world champions, Germany, say she is right too.
After receiving a letter from Minnie, Tessa Jowell, the Culture, Media and
Sports Secretary, agreed to came and watch the youngster in action at her South
London club and said she was "bowled over" by her passion for the game.
"Minnie Cruttwell embodies that passion and I know that she is disappointed
that she won't be able to play in the same team any more," said Jowell, who is
also the Minister for Women.
"Women's football is England's fastest-growing sport and I'm concerned that
we are the only country in Europe who have a blanket ban in place for mixed
football at this age level."
QUESTION OF CHOICE
Jowell set up a meeting for Minnie to put her claim to the FA, and since then
the association has agreed to talk to children from around the country.
"We have met with Minnie and her friends, and we will consult with other
children of different ages and playing abilities and get their opinions too," an
FA spokeswoman said in an interview.