JERSEY’S under-18 footballers will not be competing in the South-West Counties’ Mike Parry Cup this season – because they cannot afford to.

Their withdrawal from the competition will save them around £5,000 a game because that is what they would have had to pay whether they had played at home or away.

Dorset were due to play Jersey this Saturday at Springfield, but a call to the Jersey Football Association requesting payment for travel and an overnight stay has resulted in Jersey having to withdraw from the competition.

JFA president Ricky Weir said: ‘I only found out when we received a call from Dorset.

I was unaware that we were duty-bound to pay the costs of any visiting county as well as for ourselves when we travelled away.

‘When we worked it out it was around £5,000 a match, and I don’t think spending that kind of money is worth it for just one game.

‘The U18s are currently without a sponsor, and even if we had one I don’t think spending that sum for one game is worth it.

We discussed it at executive level and the JFA Council were unanimous supporting the executive’s decision to withdraw from the competition.

‘It is simply not good value for money.

We’ve written and apologised to Dorset and they fully understand why we have withdrawn and they are happy with our decision.

‘Making this decision is also a point of principle to the Football Association.

We are doing all the development work but there is nothing there for us at present by way of a games programme.

There is nothing obvious around for this age-group at the moment.

Maybe two games in France would be better for around the same price – we’ll just have to wait and see.’ Jersey reached the semi-finals of the Mike Parry Cup last season, but their payment obstacle did not arise because they were twice drawn away.