SFA's amateur system risks another season of chaos for youth football

Daily Record

20 hours ago

When the Scottish FA's Comet system crashed last year, you'd have thought it would have acted as ample warning against a repeat.
Hundreds of matches were called off and a generation of volunteers were left in a state of frustration over their ­dealings with the SFA's complex computer registrations system.
Several sources last year spelled out that Comet was overly complicated for the grassroots game.
And too many people were stuck for too long in a 'computer says no' death loop.
But roll on 12 months and with the new season six weeks away the computer pile-up is happening again with Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) checks.
We can't overstate the importance of keeping kids safe but after last year's issues, there can be no excuse for another round of infuriating delays, exacerbated by the lack of any human helpline to streamline the process.
Football is a moneymaker at the higher levels. And the SFA, which governs our national game, is not short of a few bob, with millions coming in via grant funding before any other revenue is even added up.
That's why there is no excuse for failing to see this coming.
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!
If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
The SYFA needs a team of professional administrators that can master any system or database required to run the game.
Professionals must be available at the end of a phone to educate the officials of clubs who give up their own free time to bring youngsters into the game.
And the SFA needs to sort this out well before next summer – or they will score a hat-trick of own goals that no one wants to see.
Welcome back, Lewis Capaldi
Lewis Capaldi's return to music with an unannounced performance at Glastonbury showed just how much he has been missed.
The singer had been on an extended break from music since 2023 due to his mental health struggles.
The break had followed a concert on the same Pyramid Stage two years ago, when his voice 'packed in' and fans had to help him finish his biggest hit, Someone You Loved.
Everyone understood Lewis, who suffers from anxiety and Tourette's, needed to put his health first.
It was wonderful to see him once more engaging with his fans in his modest way, despite his incredible talent.
He's also back with a new single that deals head on with his troubles and ­highlights once again what a special talent he is.