The idea is to urge children to play out of doors and enjoy good old fashioned fun which can be had from the simple things in life such as cycling, fishing and climbing trees.

In recent years, society has become over-protective towards children, to the point where we are in danger of smothering any sense of adventure in our offspring.

But the wheel is turning in favour of youngsters with a series of events prompted by national lobby group Playday which aim to actively encourage children to take a few risks at play...and, later, in life.

There is no point in wrapping children in cotton wool if it simply makes them unhappy. The answer is to have confidence that they have learned by your example and will relish the challenges that play presents in the same way they will take on the challenges that life brings their way in the years to come.

Selfless soccer team take a bow

FOOTBALL is not only a game of two halves. It is one several teams. There are the sides which take to the field and do 90 minutes of exhausting combat. And then there are the men and women who labour away behind the scenes, the only reward they expect to get satisfaction that they have made a contribution to the game they love.

Therefore it is only right that this selfless work should be rewarded, particularly for Nathan Batchelor and Tina Stringer.

Nathan is secretary of Bessacarr FC, in Doncaster, while Tina is secretary of the Sheffield and Hallamshire Girls County League.

They have both had their hard work and dedication recognised with FA National Workforce Awards, in a ceremony at Wembley stadium.

No doubt both will have enjoyed their moment in the spotlight. But you can bet that their real reward comes from helping to promote the game they love. Well done to both.



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