Non-league clubs tighten security after reports of teenage disorder

Non-league football clubs in Warwickshire and Worcestershire are increasing security and working with police following reports of anti-social behaviour involving teenagers, according to BBC reporting. The measures include additional matchday monitoring and a requirement at Redditch for under-16s to attend with a responsible adult, as clubs seek to protect supporters and volunteers.

Leamington FC said it was aware of incidents involving young supporters at two away fixtures and recently had police officers present at a match to monitor behaviour. Racing Club Warwick has also introduced extra security. Its chairman, Gary Vella, told the BBC he did not believe the problem was simply clashes between rival supporters, suggesting some of those involved had little affiliation with a club.

Warwickshire Police said it was sharing intelligence with neighbouring forces, partners and clubs, with extra patrols and staffing planned where necessary. The force said it remained in regular contact with the football team in Stratford. It also reported dealing swiftly with a group of males who had arrived by train and were behaving anti-socially in the town on a matchday.

In Worcestershire, Redditch United chairman David Faulkner said teenage disorder was increasing and appealed for additional resources. He said some groups were travelling from outside the communities represented by the clubs and believed social media was contributing to the problem. Faulkner described proposed spending of about £100,000 on measures including camera systems, an amount he compared with the club's gate income for an entire season.

Alvechurch FC is dealing with an FA complaint after a teenager entered the pitch following its FA Cup victory over Spalding and allegedly punched the visiting kit man. The BBC also reported that a group intimidated a father and his 10-year-old daughter outside the ground after that match. Chairman Richard Thorndike said the club had limited funds for security and was preparing for a possible fine; the report did not confirm that a penalty had been imposed.

West Mercia Police stressed that most supporters behave well. Inspector Richard Field said officers had made more than 50 anti-social behaviour prevention visits, involving parents or guardians where appropriate and taking follow-up action. The FA said it was working with National League System stakeholders on policies intended to welcome young fans safely while taking account of clubs and their supporters.