If you play football, you always run the risk of experiencing a debilitating injury. It doesn’t matter whether you play in the Premier League or the local Sunday League. So, when injury strikes, it’s a good idea to know what to do.  Here are five of the most common injuries grassroots footballers experience – and the best ways to treat...

Congratulations on graduating. Your sacrifice and commitment to your university education have paid off, and it’s not time to begin the next phase of your life. But getting back to normal isn’t always straightforward. And if you were an avid grassroots footballer before you packed your bags and headed to university, taking up from where you left off may be...

It’s nearly that time of year again: the end of the school summer holidays and the beginning of a new term. But before the big return to education, it’s important to plan a back-to-school-shopping list—particularly when it comes to PE and football equipment.  To ensure your child doesn’t have to miss out on any school-based sports action this September, this...

Your hydration levels affect every aspect of your performance – both on the training pitch and during the heat of competitive action. You can’t maximise your performance, endurance and recovery if your body isn’t getting the fluids it needs.  Whether you’re a professional or a regular participant in grassroots football, your body temperature, cardiovascular function and muscle efficiency all rely...

It’s not too often that we get positive news from the world of grassroots football in the UK, but that’s what happened in May 2024 when Statista revealed that the number of people regularly participating in English grassroots football rose in 2023 for the second year running.  More than 2.1 million people are now actively involved in organised football at...

When you ask most under-7s which position they’d like to play if they were to become a professional footballer, nine out of ten would probably say centre forward. Indeed, most youngsters enter the game vying for this position – but most don’t make it.  A huge number of professional midfielders and defenders once played as a striker or centre forward...

The perils of regularly heading a football have been discussed in the media and throughout the game for many years. In recent years, an Alan Shearer documentary and details of Jeff Astle’s dementia diagnosis have intensified the debate.  Very few people are calling for an outright ban on heading, as it’s an integral part of the game. All sports have...

Technology is now part and parcel of professional football – for good or bad. While it usually enhances the game, it’s not without its critics. That’s mainly because there are laws, not rules. Just about every contentious decision is open to debate. Nevertheless, VAR, goal-line technology and the upcoming automated offside system are going nowhere.  But it’s not just the...

Women’s football in the UK soared in popularity following the monumental efforts of the Lionesses during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Despite losing gallantly to Spain in the final, England’s best and brightest women inspired a new generation to take up the sport for the first time.  If you or your child is one of those who was inspired...

Whether you’re focusing on a career in the Premier League or your local grassroots Sunday football competition, the pathway to becoming a qualified football coach in the UK is clear for anyone with the determination to succeed. But what’s the best route into coaching these days? And which qualifications do you need to succeed? This article breaks it all down. ...