SFA's amateur system risks another season of chaos for youth football
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.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
2 hours ago
- Daily Record
Brendan Rodgers on Celtic fans 'sack the board' chant and who will really pay the price
The fans unleashed their fury during and after the goalless draw with Kairat Almaty Concerned Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers reckons it's normally the MANAGER that is shown the door when fans chant 'sack the board' It was a tough evening for the Scottish Premiership champions as the Kazakhstan side Kairat Almaty held the Hoops to a goalless draw the first leg of the Champions League playoff. The Celtic fans vented their anger at the Parkhead decision-makers after a sluggish transfer window going into the £40million shoot-out - with chants of 'sack the board' heard ringing out from the stands. Tensions have been bubbling throughout the summer with Rodgers making it clear that he would like to see more new faces coming in the door, particularly up front. The club now face the prospect of a 7000-mile round trip for the second leg as they look to return to the league phase of Europe's elite competition. Speaking to TNT Sports, Rodgers was asked if the board would listen to him and the support: "I don't know, I can only concentrate on the team that we have currently. I can't get too distracted by what I don't have..." Pressed on if he understands what the fans are saying, he went on: "Yeah, absolutely. But sack the board? "I don't know any board that gets sacked, it's usually the manager. At any club I ever see it's the manager that gets sacked, not the board. "But listen, we have to go away and analyse tonight and see where we could be better. "The guys at the top end of the pitch are giving their all, but like I have said many times - to progress at this level, we need to have more - it's as simple as that. 'But, we won't have that for Tuesday and our concentration is now for Saturday with Livingston to freshen up, with a mammoth journey, and hopefully it ends with the Champions League league phase." You can get all the news you need on our dedicated Celtic pages, and sign up to our newsletters to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season. We're also on WhatsApp where we bring all the latest breaking news and transfer gossip directly to your phone. Join our Rangers community here and our Celtic community here.
Daily Record
5 hours ago
- Daily Record
Heartbroken Morton boss Dougie Imrie reveals tragic news that baby daughter has passed away
The heartbroken manager has confirmed that little Remi died in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Morton boss Dougie Imrie has revealed the tragic news the his baby daughter has passed away. The heartbroken manager has confirmed that little Remi died in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Last month, the 42-year-old missed Morton's first match of the Championship campaign against Dunfermline after his daughter arrived 14 weeks premature and weighing only 1lb and 4 ounces. Fans of the Greenock club later unfurled a banner reading: "Keep fighting Remi." The tragic youngster was in a neonatal intensive care unit at Wishaw Hospital fighting for her life, with Imrie and partner Lauren by her side. He posted on X/Twitter: "30.07.25-19.08.25 "Our girl got tired in the early hours of Tuesday morning & decided it was time to rest. 'If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever'. "20 days of loving you Remi, I hope you know how much you were loved and we will cherish the short time we got to spend with you, a true wee fighter from the minute you were born. We love you baby girl." Imrie was commuting from Greenock to the North Lanarkshire town every day to be by Remi's side. He had returned to work after missing the opening game of the league season and last week had described how "life at the minute is hour by hour, day by day." The former Hamilton and St Mirren player previously praised the "fantastic people" who were caring for Remi. Imrie said: 'They have been incredible and not only for Remi. I'm in that unit day in and day out and they are so good at their work with all the babies. 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. 'I'll never be able to thank or repay these people enough for what they're doing. The attention to detail they put in on a daily basis is nothing less than remarkable.' In a statement posted on social media, the club said: "The Greenock Morton Football Club family are devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Remi Imrie. "The heartfelt condolences of all associated with the club go to Dougie Imrie, his partner Lauren and the full family at this extremely sad time. "Greenock Morton at this time requests the privacy of the family as they try to come to terms with this profound loss, and we will continue to provide our full support."
Daily Mirror
5 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Man City make Rico Lewis transfer decision after fresh Pep Guardiola talks
Rico Lewis had been offered a transfer to Nottingham Forest in the summer window and has now made up his mind after speaking to Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola Rico Lewis is set to snub Nottingham Forest and sign a new contract with Manchester City. Forest had made an official approach to City for the versatile defender last week, but he has now decided to stay put. The 20-year-old defender came through the City academy and has made 95 appearances for the club. He has been nurtured by Pep Guardiola, who has fielded him in a variety of positions, and played 44 times last season. Forest tried to tempt the full-back by offering to double his wages at the City Ground after signing his team-mate James McAtee for £25million. But Lewis said he was happy at City after playing in the 4-0 win over Wolves on the weekend and The Daily Mail reports that he will pen fresh terms with the club. Lewis will sign a new five-year deal to increase his wages and commit to a further two years. His decision was foreshadowed by Guardiola, who spoke to his defender after Forest's approach and said he was confident of keeping him after opening the campaign with a thumping win at Molineux. 'I think he is going to stay. I think,' he said. 'He told me that. But maybe tomorrow it changes. 'For example, for the case with Phil [Foden], for Rico, for Nico O'Reilly, I have special sympathy because they were 16 or 17 years old when they arrived here and we were winning Premier Leagues. In his role he is an extraordinary player. 'But he is so small. If he was taller we'd say, 'oh what a player'. Today, I think he is going to stay but I don't know what is going to happen.' Forest's interest came after talks with City over a new deal stalled and he was left out of the squad for the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace at the end of last season, but he made it clear after the Wolves game that he never really considered leaving. 'For me, I've never, ever seen myself at a different club,' Lewis said. 'I've always wanted to play for City. It's my dream club, and like you see today, when I'm playing with the kind of players that I'm playing with, it brings out the best in me, so I'm so happy. 'Everyone wants assurance and security, but at the end of the day, it's on me. It's on me to perform. It's on me to take the chances. If I take my own chances, I do it. If I don't, then I have to work and get better. 'Last season I played more than the season before, this season I want to play more than last season, so it's always the same goal, becoming an established player.' City have not signed a right-back in the summer transfer window and Lewis started there against Wolves before being replaced by Matheus Nunes. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. 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. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
