PMcGowan

Published at 01:00, Tuesday, 04 July 2006

By Pamela McGowan

A WEST Cumbrian junior soccer coach and school caretaker has been suspended by the Football Association following a police probe into his conduct with children.

Ron Smith, who coaches Workington Southfield Juniors, is also caretaker at the town’s Southfield Technology College.

He received notification of his suspension from the from the sport’s governing body late last month.

No details of the police probe have been revealed but a spokesman said it involved his conduct with children.

He stressed that Mr Smith has not been arrested or charged at this time.

The Cumberland FA’s child protection officer also confirmed today that they too have received a letter from the London-based authority.

It bans Mr Smith from taking part in any football or football-related activities while the inquiry is ongoing.

Mr Smith is well-known on the Cumbrian football scene, having coached several junior sides, working with children of all ages.

His most recent involvement with Southfield was preceded by his work with Workington Juniors.

Nobody at Workington Southfield Technology College would comment this morning.

Mr Smith was also unavailable for comment.

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