MAY I please add to your previous correspondents, Michael Bennett (Times January 5) and Councillor James McInnes (January 12) reference the crucial need of training facilities for Okehampton Rugby Football Club.

Mr Bennett's letter highlights the sheer number of youth players at present in the club (in excess of 200), whilst Councillor McInnes assures us that West Devon Borough Council is anxious to find a solution for this severe problem.

One can only hope this be so, as training facilities at present used by the club are a considerable strain on already strained finances.

In order to maintain our position in the prestigious Western Counties West League, players are required to attend training on two evenings per week.

This league features teams extending from Burnham on Sea in Somerset to far flung St Ives at the end of Cornwall. To play in such company week after week demands a high level of fitness and dedication, both of which fall by the wayside if suitable training facilities are not available.

We are extremely fortunate to have a very talented team of coaches at all levels with top class support staff. All of these have considerable experience of rugby football.

Part of the coaching goes hand in glove with the need for sportsmanship and discipline on the field of play. In this respect I do not recall any player ever receiving a red card for his misdemeanour carried out during play. Long may this continue.

Mr Bennett, at the end of his welcome letter suggest that the community might well produce an England international one day. Should this prove to be so, they will be following in the footsteps of four Okehampton players who have had the honour of wearing the national jersey at ranging levels over the last ten years.

At the pinnacle of these stands Julian White who moved beyond England into playing for the British and Irish Lions on tour. Julian became established as perhaps the finest player in his position amongst world class exponents. So the precedent has been established several times over.

Players from Okehampton can scale the highest of highs, bringing credit to themselves and Okhampton area together.

Sufficient therefore are the reasons for every effort being made to give all encouragement for people to play sport in general — but rugby football in particular.

Ted Cann

Exeter Road

Okehampton