I AGREE with Mr P Richardson (Letters, July 14) about the arrogance of York City Football Club demanding the right to totally alter the Huntington stadium for its own selfish needs and its me, me, me attitude at the cost to athletics in North Yorkshire (Letters, July 14).

Professional sport should stand or fall by the performance, both on the pitch and in the boardroom, not rely on peppercorn agreements from councils to narrow-minded club rulers. This is a stadium for the athletic community of North Yorkshire from eight years upwards.

On Monday night I had the joy of seeing two of my small charges run 600 metres without stopping to walk in a competition for the first time. The applause they received in the home straight from parents and athletes made me feel this fight is right and true.

It is not only about the six-lane track, but the field event facilities, as well as floodlights and grandstands. They will never be replaced if the stadium is pushed out to the university.

A stadium for any sport should only be lost if the one replacing it can improve the facilities in all aspects and not be downgraded as York City FC seems intent to do at Huntington.

David Parker,

Level one coach,

NRAC (U11s),

Penyghent Avenue, York.

Updated: 11:26 Saturday, July 19, 2003