Female Tory MP banned from 'kickabout'
By Philippa Silverman - 31st May 2011
A Tory MP has complained about "ridiculous" Football Association rules that ban her from playing for the parliamentary football team - because she is a woman.
Tracey Crouch, 35, has been banned from playing in the 11-a-side team under FA restrictions that let only girls aged 13 or under to play in mixed teams.
The Chatham and Aylesford MP and qualified football coach said she approved of the rules generally but did not think they should be applied to "what is essentially a kickabout".
Elected last year, the right winger or centre forward is known for her "tough tackling" on the pitch during all-party matches against her male colleagues.
The sports enthusiast and Tottenham Hotspur fan said: "No woman should be invited onto a football team just because she is a woman. She has to have the confidence, she has to be able to play.
"All of the male MPs I've spoken to think it's ridiculous. I've played five-a-side with many of them so they know what I can do and what I can't do.
"I just think that there has to be some common sense when it comes to what is essentially a kickabout. It's not the Champions League final.
"Yes, it's often competitive but that's not to say that I couldn't hold my own."
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