AS THE secretary and a trustee of (Pontymister Youth AFC) I feel the need to air my concerns regarding getting young children involved in sport. I recently wrote to three schools in the area with the aim of recruiting youngsters under the age of eight to join the club and get them involved in sport and keeping fit. Included were flyers introducing the club. As the turnout to the advertised session was poor, I contacted the schools to follow up my request. I was appalled to be told by Risca Primary School that they were unable to hand out the flyers as they could only send out literature received from Caerphilly County Borough Council. I find this hard to believe when I know pupils are sent home with requests to donate to charities, such as filling shoe boxes with gifts for children abroad. It is appalling to think that they can help such charities, yet cannot help a local charity such as Pontymister Youth by handing out flyers and help by encouraging their pupils to get involved with out-of-school activities.

Matthew Friend Grove Road Risca