AN MP’s petition calling for more Premier League cash to be pumped into children’s football has attracted 30,000 signatures in just four months.

David Crausby launched the petition following England’s dismal showing at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where they were eliminated after the group stage without winning a match.

The Bolton North East MP wants the Premier League to commit about £375 million of the estimated £5 billion it receives in TV rights money into grassroots children’s football.

The Premier League this week has rolled out £7 million of investment to support 88 grassroots projects across the country, including Daisy Hill Football Club in Westhoughton.

Mr Crausby wants to attract 100,000 signatures by next July and trigger debate in parliament.

He said: “This shows that there is a growing recognition that it’s only fair to ask the Premier League to share the wealth to protect grass roots football and give every child the chance to play.

“I hope that people will continue to spread the word and take us to 100,000 and beyond to really up the pressure on the Government and those at the top of football to take action.”

Dawn Woolham, who manages the Under-10s team at Bolton club Eagley FC, said: “It is a brilliant idea and great that a Bolton MP is leading it. The more money that can be put back into grassroots football the better. ”

A Premier League spokesman said: “The quality of Premier League football and the interest that it generates allows us to support all areas of the sport and provides in excess of £1.3bn per season to the UK Government in tax revenue.

“Last season we invested in 52 new artificial grass pitches and hundreds of new grass pitches across the country via the new Premier League and FA Facilities Fund.”

The petition can be signed at http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/66835.