Field a welcome addition to Mat-Ab's sports programs It was brought to my attention a letter Joseph McAleer had written in the Independent ("More accountability must be shown by Matawan-Aberdeen school leadership," May 9) in regard to leadership and accountability from our school system. I have been involved in the Matawan-Aberdeen recreational program for over 10 years from a coaching and administrative capacity. I was recently selected to be president of the Matawan-Aberdeen Pop Warner football program. Pop Warner is a nonprofit organization that offers youth American football and cheerleading and dance programs for participants in 41 states and several countries around the world. It is the only U.S. youth sports organization that requires scholastic aptitude to participate. I was surprised at McAleer's comments on the use of the new athletic field. I am required to submit permits to the athletic department for use of the field, as are all recreational programs. The current population of children in these programs is well over 2,500. All of the recreational programs are run by volunteers in the community who are committed to providing our children a safe and structured environment. The use of the athletic field is used by everyone, including the school programs. The entire community is using the field for many different activities, as well as other towns coming to see and participate at our facilities. The main field before the installation of the field turf was at times unplayable due to the heavy usage or bad weather. The field turf surface has made it possible for all the recreational programs and school athletic programs to benefit year-round. This would have not been possible without the support of the school board and athletic department. While I understand your concerns in regard to accountability by our school leaders, everyone and most importantly our children enjoy the use of the athletic field. We are limited in field usage in and around the borough and the township; the main field has been a welcome addition to our program as well as soccer and other recreational programs. Michael Malta president Matawan-Aberdeen Pop Warner