Matches off due to Wales friendly

It will be the first international match at Cardiff City Stadium

Thousands of footballers have been told they cannot play next Saturday because Wales have a friendly game on the same day.

The Football Association of Wales (FAW) has called off grassroots games within 50 miles of Cardiff so people can attend the Wales v Scotland match.

But children's morning games are also off ahead of the 1500 GMT kick-off at Cardiff City Stadium on 14 November.

The FAW said the policy would be looked at in future but not before this game.

Grassroots matches have been cancelled previously when Wales have played competitive fixtures but not for a friendly.

Why are we stopping kids playing in the morning when Wales are playing later in the day Julian Straker-Jones, Thornhill Athletic FC

Coaches say they can understand adult games not taking place because they usually kick off in the afternoon but most children's games take place in the morning leaving plenty of time to get to the match.

Coach Julian Straker-Jones, secretary of Thornhill Athletic FC in Cardiff, said: "It's mad. Why are we stopping kids playing in the morning when Wales are playing later in the day?

"It doesn't stop them attending the match.

"It's madness that they put these restrictions in and it's sapping the enthusiasm of the kids."

'Heavy handed'

Huw Williams, who coaches one of the Urdd under-nine teams in Cardiff, described the decision as "bizarre".

"It's heavy-handed isn't it, given that it's a friendly as well. If it was a World Cup qualifier I might understand it," he said.

"You can understand adults' football but not grassroots football with the kids."

It's something that may well be changed for future games FAW spokesperson

It is understood some coaches of children's teams are organising unofficial friendly matches on the day so their teams can still play.

The FAW said the principle was to encourage as many people as possible to attend Wales matches but it was aware of people's frustration when games took place in the morning.

A spokesperson said: "The situation is the rule as it stands has to be applied to this game but it is a rule that will be looked at in the future.

"The issue we have at the moment is that there's nothing can be done at this moment in time. It's something that may well be changed for future games."

It will be the first international match played at the new 26,000-seat Cardiff City Stadium, which opened this season.

Just over a week before the game, around 12,000 tickets had been sold, including 4,000 to Scotland fans.