THE Government's decision to spend £3m on grassroots football in China is a "slap in the face" for North-East community clubs struggling to survive, it it is claimed.

Chancellor George Osborne has been criticised for handing over taxpayers’ money to fund 5,000 new coaches in the world’s second-richest nation when grassroots teams in the region are battling to survive.

Critics say local authority funding cuts have prompted council to increase fees for community clubs to use pitches and sports halls, while some facilities have been closed altogether.

North East MEP Jonathan Arnott has challenged Mr Osborne to invest £3m in grassroots football in this region to match that just given to China.

He said: “This region has produced some great footballers and will do so again in future I’m sure but money needs to be spent at grassroots level to help that along.

“China is the second largest economy in the world and can doubtless find its own cash to train football coaches instead of us handing it to them.

“Local teams suffer because of cuts in local authority and government spending and everyone is trying to make the best of a bad job. This is a massive slap in the face for them."

Mr Arnott said the payment came at a time when the country has a massive obesity problem and children needed to be encouraged into sport.

“If the Government can find this cash for China they can find it to help keen young British footballers and coaches,” he said.

The payment has also angered volunteers at North-East-based Grassroots Football, an organisation which helps grassroots football clubs across the country.

A spokesman volunteer-run clubs where finding it increasingly difficult to find the money for pitches and league fees, adding: "It's a big blow when £3m goes abroad - I can't remember when the UK Government funded the UK grassroots community to this extent.

"Grassroots football in the North-East is a microcosm of what's happening across the UK - it's in a critical condition."

Speaking during a visit to the Soong Ching Ling Football School in Urumqi as part of a weeklong tour of China, the Chancellor said: "This fantastic scheme which will bring new opportunities to young people across China will also help bring increased awareness and investment into the UK football sector."