Angels Aim to Reboot the Game

The team takes the message to Parliament.

Fair Game, for which Tonbridge Angels is one of 18 members, took its mission to reboot our national game to the House of Commons today, 1 July 2021.

Fair Game is seeking to influence and work with the government’s fan-led review, chaired by Tracey Crouch MP, to ensure the opportunity for fair, lasting change is taken.

Fair Game believes English football should be reformed based around four principles - sustainability, integrity, transparency and community – and we are working closely with the best minds in academia to develop solutions to the problems the game has. These include:

·         Long-term protection for the heritage and tradition of clubs

·         Proper fan engagement

·         Equality standards that mean something

·         Stopping clubs from spending more than they earn on player wages

·         Fairer redistribution of TV revenue

·         Financial sustainability and transparency

There were speeches from Alison McGovern, the Shadow Minister for Sport and the Labour MP for Wirral South, and the Conservative MP Damian Collins, the former chair of the Department of Media, Culture and Sport Select Committee.

Former England international and Fair Game ambassador John Scales explained his role; and Phil Young, the chair of the Shakers Community, the owners of Bury AFC, outlined the plight of his club.

The afternoon was rounded off by Fair Game’s experts outlining potential solutions to football’s current woes

Dave Netherstreet, Chairman of Tonbridge Angels said:
 “This was a massive moment for Fair Game. We are determined to build realistic and meaningful solutions.

“The review represents a once in a lifetime opportunity to reboot the game we love.

“All clubs should be encouraged to ensure a sustainable long-term future so that our traditions and heritage built up over decades is never put at risk.

“Football should be at the heart of a community.

“As clubs, we have a responsibility to lead that change. Our next task is to bring the lawmakers along with us and turn our proposals into a lasting reality.”