When Alexander Mitrovic manhandled the referee during an angry confrontation in front of the cameras, the spectre of abusive behaviour towards referees once again reared its ugly head. What should have been a televisual feast of football — an occasion to inspire youngsters up and down the country — became another shameful indictment on the state of the game. Every...

Years of underinvestment have left thousands of grassroots sports facilities across the UK in a state of almost complete disrepair. And while local councils and sports associations are grappling with the cost of living crisis, money to put this travesty right is in very short supply. So when the UK Government announced a national funding programme for England, Scotland, Wales...

Whether you’re trying to make watching football more accessible or starting a disability football team, you have certain responsibilities when it comes to making your club accessible. According to the Equality and Human Rights Commission, your club has a “statutory duty” to work towards the elimination of discrimination on the grounds of, among other things, disability. But what does this...

We’re now approaching the final days of summer, but there are still a few days of sunshine left before the autumn winds begin to bite. If you’re looking for an exciting way to stay fit on the beach, we’ve got just the thing for you — beach football.  Also referred to as beach soccer, sand football and beasal, beach football...

Rishi Sunak has come out in support of grassroots football in the UK more than once since he became Chancellor. But when he made an appearance at Gunnersbury Park Sports Hub last month, there was cause for real optimism.  With more than 20 girls in attendance at Brentford FC Community Sports Trust’s new training facility, the Chancellor spoke of what...

When Christian Eriksen collapsed during a Euro 2020 match last month, most people watching expected the worst. It was clear that something catastrophic was happening, yet knowing he was in the best of hands gave everyone cause for optimism.  Doctors and physios were at Eriksen’s side within seconds of his collapse. Had they not been, the happy ending that transpired...

Grassroots football across the UK has been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic. The UK Government’s restrictions have forced matches and training sessions to cease — for months at a time. While such restrictions were necessary, they have taken a huge toll on the finances of local leagues and clubs up and down the country.  Without a steady stream of...

The physical health benefits of football are obvious. But what we rarely hear about are the benefits related to mental health. A new study has finally proved a link between the beautiful game and mental health, and the results are exciting. Mental health is a broad spectrum of issues, many of which can be positively affected by being part of...

Grassroots football clubs up and down the country are fighting for survival. A combination of a decades-long financial crisis and the COVID-19 epidemic has brought thousands of clubs to the brink of oblivion. But there is some modest help out there. The Football Foundation is issuing grants to the most desperate community football clubs — and here’s how to apply...

While a Covid-19 is on the horizon, there’s still a chance of further lockdowns over the next six months. If you’re worried about losing your competitive edge during the next lockdown, there are a few football activities you can try at home. All you need to get started is a small outdoor area such as a garden and some essential...