Nine-Year-Old Calls for Alcohol Ban at Kids’ Football Tournaments

A nine-year-old boy, Ronnie Edward Preston, has taken a stand against alcohol consumption at children’s football tournaments following a distressing incident during a recent game. After witnessing multiple altercations among parents at a tournament held on March 2, 2024, at Woodstock Park in Sittingbourne, Ronnie expressed his concerns by writing a heartfelt letter to the government advocating for a ban on alcohol at such events.

During the tournament, Ronnie observed “three fights” between parents, which left him and his friends feeling “scared.” Recognizing the negative impact of adult behavior on children, he decided to voice his concerns. With the support of his mother, Belinda Collins, who coaches an under-10 team at Aylesford Colts, he composed a letter outlining his feelings about the situation.

The letter gained significant attention after Belinda shared it on a Facebook page dedicated to underage football. While many praised Ronnie’s initiative, some individuals took to social media to criticize Belinda, accusing her of writing the letter herself and misrepresenting her son’s thoughts. In response to these accusations, she firmly stated, “I have done no such thing. He told me what he wanted to say, and I typed the letter up for him.”

Belinda expressed her pride in Ronnie’s courage to address an issue he found unacceptable. She reflected on the challenges of witnessing negative behavior at youth sports, saying, “As a mother, it’s hard watching and being subjected to behavior that isn’t wholly positive.” She emphasized the importance of supporting children from the sidelines and fostering a positive environment during their games.

The poignant letter written by Ronnie highlighted his dismay at the adult confrontations he witnessed. In his own words, he described the atmosphere, stating, “I saw three fights between parents. I know it’s not really anyone’s fault like the organisers or the teams, but it was really sad.” He articulated his belief that the presence of alcohol exacerbated the situation, saying, “I did say to my mummy that I don’t think selling beer at kids football tournaments is a good idea.”

Ronnie’s letter concluded with a plea for adults to set a better example for the children, stating, “Grown-ups should be setting a good example and cheering us on, not arguing and being cross.” He signed off by identifying himself as “A nine-year-old footballer who just wants to enjoy my game.”

This incident has sparked conversations about the appropriateness of alcohol consumption at children’s sporting events, urging parents and organizers to consider the potential impact on young athletes. As discussions around this topic continue, Ronnie’s call for change emphasizes the need for a supportive and safe environment for children to engage in sports.