‘Manchester United star Wayne Rooney has been axed from a children’s football tournament because organisers felt he was not a suitable role model. The 19-year-old England star, who has been the centre of lurid news stories about his private life, was to have taken coaching sessions at an Under-13 event this week.
‘But English Schools Football Association chief executive John Read told the Daily Mail: “We felt, under the circumstances, over what was being reported, that we could find a better role model.”’
‘Gordon Taylor has voiced his disapproval of the decision to drop Wayne Rooney as a star guest at a prominent schools match. The English Schools Football Association say the 19-year-old England and Manchester United is not a "good role model".
‘Taylor, chief executive of the Professional Footballers' Association, believes there is much to admire in what Rooney does on and off the pitch. "If you are talking about role models, he has been a role model for achievement and what he has done at a very young age," Taylor said.
‘"You would hope he would be encouraged by the English Schools FA, rather than this action being taken. That's their choice but one that I do not approve of. I am sure those young lads would love the chance to train with Wayne Rooney."’