Nine-Year-Old’s Bold Call for Alcohol Ban at Youth Football Events

A nine-year-old boy has taken a courageous stand against alcohol consumption at youth football tournaments following alarming incidents of violence among parents. Ronnie Edward Preston witnessed “three fights” during a tournament at Woodstock Park in Sittingbourne, which left him and his friends feeling frightened. In response, he composed a letter to the UK Government, advocating for a ban on alcohol at such events.

Ronnie’s mother, Belinda Collins, aided him in crafting the letter, which they shared on a Facebook page dedicated to underage football. Although the post received a positive response from many, it also attracted criticism from some who accused Belinda of manipulating her son’s words. In an impassioned defense, she stated, “I’m blown away by Ronnie’s response to the things he saw on Saturday. At nine years old, he has spoken up about something he doesn’t think is acceptable and I’m very proud of him.”

Belinda, who also serves as a coach for the under 10s team at Aylesford Colts, expressed her frustration over the negative feedback. She emphasized that Ronnie articulated his concerns, and she merely transcribed his thoughts. “I’ve taken abuse online for ‘putting words into his mouth’ and ‘impersonating a nine-year-old’. I’ve done no such thing. He told me what he wanted to say and I typed the letter up for him,” she explained.

As a parent and coach, Belinda understands the competitive spirit inherent in sports but believes that the atmosphere should remain supportive for the young players involved. “As a mother, it’s hard watching and being subjected to behavior that isn’t wholly positive,” she said. “However, we have to remember these are small children playing a game they love, and we should be supporting them from the touchlines, not causing them worry or concern.”

In his heartfelt letter, Ronnie detailed the distressing events he witnessed during the tournament. He wrote, “I saw three fights between parents… it made me and some of my mates feel a bit worried.” He further questioned why parents resort to shouting and fighting, stating, “It doesn’t help us play better. It just makes it more scary.”

The young boy also expressed his concerns regarding the sale of alcohol at youth tournaments. “I saw loads of daddies walking around with drinks and I don’t think that helps at all,” he noted. Ronnie concluded his letter by urging the government to consider banning alcohol at such events, emphasizing, “We just want to play football and have fun and not have to see grown-ups getting into fights.”

The story of Ronnie Edward Preston resonates as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing a safe and supportive environment for children in sports. His bold initiative has sparked conversations about parental behavior at youth events and the role alcohol plays in these settings.