SPORTS officials have promised to help Oxford football teams play all their matches this season after a row over pitch closures.

Footballers had been worried they would not be able complete all their fixtures by the end of the season due to a backlog caused by this winter’s freezing conditions.

They feared all Oxford City Council-run football pitches would close on April 20 for renovation and maintenance work, as well as to make way for the cricket season.

But Oxford City Council has stressed some of its 52 pitches would stay open for as long as it takes to clear teams’ fixtures.

Council spokesman Louisa Dean said: “Some clubs may not be able to finish their season on their usual pitch but every team will complete all their matches.

“We manage 14 sites and only two sites need to tie with the end of the football season and the start of the cricket season as they have either shared space on the sports pitch or shared accommodation.

“We have looked into each request from the football clubs and agreed that we would keep several sites open to meet the needs of the booking requests we have received so far.

“It may mean that some teams would have to play the final game or two of the season at another site, but there would be a city council pitch and facility fit for purpose and available.”

Some of the city council’s main pitches include Cutteslowe Park, Cowley Marsh, Court Place Farm, Sandy Lane, Horspath Road and Blackbird Leys.

Paul Lyon, fixture secretary for the Oxford Mail Boys’ League, said they lost four weekends due to the weather.

Earlier this week he warned unless the situation was sorted out, the size of the league would have to be reduced, meaning fewer teams and fewer children able to play.

Yesterday, he said: “If the city council is making concessions then that would be great news.

“If they do keep the pitches open later for us then we can start our next season later if that helps. But I am concerned to get this season finished.

“Any concessions would be great. What we are asking for is for pitches to stay open until May 15, or at least a large proportion of them.”

Stuart Fitzsimmons, council parks and open spaces manager, said some pitches would close on April 20, but others would remain open.

He said: “The promise that I am giving is that we will find pitches and there is not really any need to worry.”