EUROPEAN champions Real Madrid have let down local children after cancelling their football clinic at Alvechurch FC – just two weeks before it was set to start.
The Lye Meadow outfit was hoping to bring the Champions League winners’ training philosophy to the village after linking up with Fundación Real Madrid.
The foundation sets up clinics throughout Europe for youngsters aged seven to 15 – who are then challenged by top coaches and the latest training methods.
Disappointed parents received an email from the most successful football club in the world on July 23, which detailed the reasons for pulling out.
It said: “Unfortunately we did not reach the minimum participant number and have to cancel the clinic, but we are happy to offer you other options.
“We have other clinics all around the UK which you can visit and, of course, no further payment will be required.”
The clinic was due to start on August 8, which has left parents frustrated with the short notice given.
The father of one seven-year-old Thomas Lawless, said: “I bought tickets for my son’s birthday back in February.
“I’ve had break the news to him two weeks before the clinic was supposed to begin, it’s not acceptable.
“Surely they knew further in advance than this.”
Tickets were being sold on Madrid’s website for up to 300 euros earlier this year but many of the clinics in the UK are now sold out.
“They’re offering me a refund or to go to another clinic but the closest one to us is in Kent,” said Mr Lawless.
“It’s way too far for us and completely unrealistic.”
The football clinic of the Galacticos was originally offering a five-day camp at Lye Meadow for children to showcase their skills.
Families will now have to look elsewhere to get their footy fix.
Alvechurch chairman Richard Thorndike said: “We are extremely disappointed to find out the news from Real Madrid’s foundation and can only apologise for the inconvenience caused.”
