Not being affiliated to sports clubs, informal soccer activities have become a common occurrence in public parks, to the irk of many residents.
The City says it is by no means allowed and urges communities to report it to local authorities.
Mayco member for community service Patricia van der Ross says: “Formal sporting codes are currently not allowed on public open spaces.
“The open spaces are set out for recreational purposes and in efforts to communicate the rules and regulations, visible signage detailing that sporting codes are not permitted are erected at strategic points.”
The City’s recreation and parks department also confirms that none of these informal soccer clubs have permission to play on open spaces and need to contact local sport clubs or federations to assist in providing spaces at designated City sports grounds.
Ratepayers in Brackenfell recently expressed their unhappiness with informal soccer in local public parks.
Two such parks are De Oude Spruit Park in Protea Heights, and the other Apollo Park in Olympus way in Ferndale.
While informal soccer at De Oude Spruit has died down a bit, resident Pieter Smith says the soccer practise sessions at Apollo Park is a regular activity.
“Not only is it a source of noise disturbance in the evenings, but it destroys the grass and prevents the children from playing there.
“Is this now the norm? There are tyres lying around that are used for exercises. All that is needed now is a pavilion.”
He says the players come in big groups from other areas and park on the grass banks.
“Its a headache for nearby residents and I don’t know what to do. Maybe law enforcement should patrol the area more often,” he says.
Van der Ross advised residents to contact law enforcement on 021 480 770 to address any queries where informal events take place after hours and this is indicated on the signage boards.
