The manager of the Parishes of Jersey football team has set up a petition as his push to convert the recreational sporting area at FB Fields to five-a-side football areas continues.

The petition been signed more than 1,500 times in just a few hours.

The government spent money to improve the area six years ago, but it has not been used and remains empty.

Despite constant pleas to make use of it, news of a covenant of the land has prevented any progress from being made.

Despite that barrier, James has vowed not to give up.

"Since Les Ormes closed down a couple of years ago now, there hasn’t been a five a side football area for use by the local community.

"I think the island has a desperate need for it. If there is a sports facility there pretty much ready and good to go, with a little bit of work done to it, that can only be a good thing."

The covenant means use of the land requires permission from nearby homeowners.

James hopes the island's support will lead to change.

"If it does generate a lot of interest and gets a lot of signatures they know that it’s very much needed on the island and the football community and the general public who feel a sporting facility that’s lying empty should be getting used.

"It was gifted to the public, so it should be the public that’s using the facility. Currently it’s not."

The former Assistant Minister with responsibility for sport, Senator Steve Pallett, has backed James' campaign, but has said 'a solution might be difficult' unless residents agree to a change of use as agreed in the covenant.

As the petition has passed 1,000 signatures, a Ministerial response is required within 25 working days.

5,000 signatures are needed for a States debate to be considered.

⚽️ Football community. I could really do with your support.

Does Jersey need a new 5-a-side football facility?

Have a listen.....and please sign the petition:https://t.co/DcvaN3BXeO

Please retweet.#JSFives@JEPsport @ITVChannelSport @Channel103 @GovJersey pic.twitter.com/bGoiaHusKP

— JS (@JamesScottJS) January 20, 2021