Are we on AFC's pitch, or are AFC on our playing field?

Day three of the petition brought an interesting turn of events. I was copied in on an email exchange between the Trust and a resident. A complaint was made about bad language during a football match on Sunday morning. The Trust’s response was to send AFC Henley an email. AFC Henley’s response, it wasn’t us, we let another team play on the pitch. The irony of this is easy to spot. AFC Henley booted off our playing field 2 young boys and 2 young girls with 2 parents, citing pitch damage, exclusive access rights and so on but allow other teams to use it. Of course, the Trust gave them this right and must take it away. If the pitch gets muddy during the season is it really a problem? Not really. In the spring, with a bit of TLC, the grass will grow again and all will be fine. Is it the inhabitants who are damaging the playing field? Well, perhaps 1% of it, probably less. The most damage comes from AFC Henley’s use and the teams they sublet or lend the field to. The Trust and AFC Henley need to realise that if goal posts are stuck on our playing field from September to April, then people will want to have fun and play with them – people have done this for decades. The damage is really done by the studded boot wearing football teams, not the inhabitants. The mindset needs to change. AFC Henley are on our field - they should be grateful. They are lucky to be able to stick their goal posts on our playing field. I keep meeting people as I walk about and stop to talk to them. Lots of local people do not yet know what is going on. Please help by passing on the word to people you meet. If they put “Petition Harpsden” into a search engine then it should take them straight to the petition where they can sign. If not, then browse the petitions on Change.org – it is several pages in now. Have a great day. With the temperatures up and the sun out, this would be the perfect day to have some fun on our playing field...