FOOTBALLING rivalries took centre stage in Berkeley on Monday.

At its meeting the council discussed a request from Severnside youth football team to allow it to play its games at Canon Park playing fields – the home of Berkeley Town Football Club - but possible connections between the youth side and fierce rivals Sharpness football club sparked fierce debate.

Severnside FC under-15s currently play their home games in Sharpness but a move to a higher division next season left the side on a search for better facilities.

It asked the town council, which owns the playing fields, to use the pitch and pavilion facilities at Canon Park but objections were raised by Berkeley Town FC which maintains the football pitch.

Keith Palmer, chairman of Berkeley Town FC, said that the club did not object to youth sides using the facility but that the pitch would not be able to cope with two games a week.

“The pitch isn’t in the best state,” he said. “To put everything right would cost between £60,000 and £70,000.

“When we had the consultant out here looking at solutions to drainage issues he said that he thought two games a week was too much for it to take.”

Berkeley Town FC pays £55 per match to the council and an additional £130 per month to allow it exclusive use of the kitchen and bar room.

At the meeting, supporters of the club urged councillors not to allow Severnside to play at Canon Park because of previous affiliations between the club and arch-rivals Sharpness.

“To me it seems that we would be helping out Sharpness if this went ahead,” said Mark Edwards.

“We’ve bent over backwards for younger teams but they still stayed with Sharpness – not one player joined Berkeley.

“If they want to pay an equal share then they can.”

Andy Jefferson, manager of Severnside under-15s said that members of the club who had close links to Sharpness are no longer involved in the running of the team.

He said: “Now that we’re in a higher league we need better facilities with changing rooms and a small club house.

“We wouldn’t train up there [Canon Park] and we will be able to play friendlies elsewhere.

“The man who had close links with Sharpness is no longer involved in the side and I will not influence any of my players’ decisions in where they play men’s’ football.”

Councillors agreed in principle to allow Severnside to play at Canon Park but referred the issue to its leisure and recreation committee to work out an agreement with both sides.