Burley wants government help to reach major finals

Published on Monday 26 October 2009 21:40

GEORGE Burley has called for more government funding to help Scotland qualify for major championships in future years.

The national team manager argues the Scottish Government should be providing more facilities and schemes to encourage youngsters to hone their skills.

Burley, speaking at an event to raise money for the Scottish Huntington's Association, pointed to the investment made in indoor sports facilities in countries such as Denmark.

The Danes qualified for the World Cup finals this month, while Burley failed to lead Scotland to the play-offs.

"We haven't got the facilities, we haven't got the backing from the government," Burley said.

"We played football four or five hours a day. We played in school, in the park, for boys' clubs. These days, you see 15 to 16-year-olds who can hardly trap a ball.

"Sports science and diet has improved but the basic skills were much better then because we practised from an early age."

Burley, who signed for Ipswich at the age of 15, added: "If you can give children more opportunities, like myself, coming from a mining community in Cumnock, surely that's good for society?"

SFA Chief Executive Gordon Smith is involved in discussions with the government to seek ways of boosting his efforts to get children more involved in the sport.

Despite his fears, Burley is convinced the SFA are making strides. "I think we're going the right way," he added. "I think it's going to take time to develop young players. We all recognise that.

"It's important we try to get more new facilities. You look at Toryglen (Football Centre), which is fantastic, and we need more of that. Can we lobby the government more and get more money because the Scottish FA haven't got the money to do it all."