A BARRHEAD football club boss has called for a temporary end to all training sessions at youth level to protect coaches from the coronavirus pandemic.

Last month, games and training involving players between the ages of 12 and 20 were brought to a halt across the country.

However, the Scottish Government have ruled that footballers under the age of 12 can still train with their fellow players, providing there is no contact and social distancing rules are observed.

Graham Vance, chair of Barrhead Youth Football Club, claims this puts volunteer coaches at risk.

The Scottish Football Association (SFA) and Scottish Youth Football Association (SYFA) say it is up to individual clubs to decide whether or not to stage open air training sessions.

However, Graham has accused administrators of passing the buck and has written to both organisations to express his concerns.

He has decided to cancel all of the club’s sessions for children under 12 on safety grounds but this has prompted complaints from parents and young players.

Graham told the Barrhead News: “It has been left to the clubs to make this unpopular decision, which is not fair.

“If you listen to the First Minister’s comments, it’s a resounding ‘stay at home’ message.

“We find it a kick in the teeth that teams of 11-year-olds and under still have the option to train.

“That decision is making the clubs and coaches look like the bad people if we cancel training when we are only trying to protect ourselves.”

Graham, who is a financial consultant, has been involved with Barrhead YFC for 17 years.

He says the under-12 training sessions at Barrhead’s Cowan Park can involve up to 45 children at a time.

Graham added: “We are volunteers and have our own lives, jobs and families.

“We are opening up so many different avenues for the coaches to be at risk.”

Barrhead YFC’s 26 youth teams normally play in the Paisley and Johnstone District League and other competitions.

Graham said: “My criticism is the vagueness of the guidelines and the fact that people in positions of authority, like the SFA, cannot make a decision.

“If it is not safe for kids to be in a classroom then I don’t think that it is safe to be on a football pitch.”

Florence Witherow, SYFA national secretary, said: “We shared the SFA’s updated guidance with all of our member clubs and leagues immediately after this guidance was confirmed, highlighting our own recommendation that clubs and parents give serious consideration as to whether or not such activity is necessary at this time.”

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said the rights and wellbeing of children and young people are “at the centre” of its response to the pandemic.

She added: “We have prioritised their ability to take part in sport and physical activity throughout the pandemic.

“Under the current lockdown, children under 12 are still able to access outdoor organised sport and recreation activities and attend other organised activities.

“It is for individual providers to determine whether they are comfortable running sessions and whether they feel they can run them safely.”