Bridlington Town FC Introduces New Under 16 Policy

Monday, 18 November 2024 15:21

By Matthew Pells

With immediate effect, nobody aged 16 or under will be admitted into the Mounting Systems Stadium unless accompanied by an adult.

Bridlington Town Football Club has announced a new policy aimed at tackling vandalism, abuse, and intimidating behaviour at the Mounting Systems Stadium. This decision comes after a series of incidents that the club says has "tarnished the club's reputation".

The new policy restricts entry for unaccompanied young people. Effective immediately, anyone aged 16 or under will only be permitted entry if accompanied by a responsible adult. This rule does not apply to organised groups authorised by the club or authorised volunteers. While under-16s will continue to enjoy free entry, anyone appearing under 16 without an adult will be required to present photo identification at the turnstiles.

Bridlington Town FC says the action is a direct response to the behaviour of a small number of individuals who have negatively impacted the experience for the majority. The club emphasises its zero-tolerance stance towards abuse, vandalism, and intimidation directed at away fans, officials, and club staff and says the decision to implement this policy is driven by a "commitment to maintaining the club's standing within the non-league community".

The club plans to continuously monitor the situation and will re-evaluate the policy in the future as needed. Despite the challenges, Bridlington Town FC expresses its gratitude to the many young fans who consistently demonstrate positive behaviour and contribute to a supportive atmosphere. The club highlights the children from Bridlington CYP and others who bring energy and encouragement to the team, setting a positive example.

The news came in a statement from CEO Gavin Branton on the club website:

"With immediate effect, nobody aged 16 or under will be admitted into the Mounting Systems Stadium unless accompanied by an adult - who will be responsible for them.

The only exceptions to this are accompanied organised groups authorised by the club and volunteers also authorised by the club.

Free entry will remain in place for under 16s, whilst anybody attending without an adult who looks under 16 will be required to show photographic identification at the turnstiles upon entry to the stadium.

As in society as a whole, it is often the activities and actions of the minority that spoil it for the majority. This is the case that has given the club no choice but to take this decision.

Abuse, vandalism and intimidating behaviour to away fans and officials and club staff can not and will not be tolerated. Based on these events in order to ensure the standing of the club in the non league family we have enforced this policy.

The club will monitor the situation and reevaluate in the future if and when the club decides to do so.

Finally, on a more positive note, we would like to thank the children from Bridlington CYP and others who do themselves and our club proud. Bringing energy and support for their team is wonderful and we look forward to welcoming them and others behaving appropriately each week to support their team.

Gavin Branton
Chief Executive Officer"