The sums of money being offered by Chinese clubs to Europe’s elite players are simply staggering. Backed by government funding, the relatively new Chinese Super League is trying to attract the World’s top talent with promises of unprecedented salaries. But is this the path to long-term success? And does more need to be done to promote grassroots football in China...

At a time when many people believe that grassroots football in Britain is at crisis point, young people are struggling to afford the cost of following their local professional team. Supporters of Premier League teams have been forced to contend with massive price rises. Meanwhile, TV and marketing revenues amongst the country’s richest clubs have soared. As a result, thousands...

The recent revelations of abuse within every level of football have shone a light on the welfare of children and vulnerable adults within the game. It is blatantly clear that hundreds of children have been failed by the system over the years, and the responsibility rests on everyone’s shoulders — including with parents. By playing an active role in your...

If a CEO or an executive board member were to deliver a bad performance, the chances are they’d be fired. If you were to fail in your most basic of duties at work, you’d probably face the axe too. So why do the faceless FA board members, who are ultimately responsible for the grassroots game in the UK, seem to...

The sex abuse scandal that has enveloped British football in recent weeks has shone a light on how vulnerable our youngsters can be. We often entrust virtual strangers with the wellbeing and safety of our children, yet we usually know very little about the coaches and administrators who are crucial to the grassroots game. The FA and the various grassroots...

In light of recent developments in relation to the sexual abuse of young footballers in the UK, it is incumbent on all coaches and football administrators to ensure their club is safeguarding the children it is responsible for. In reality, the safety and well-being of children playing the game is the responsibility of everyone. Each club, association, school and private...

The term ‘giving something back’ has become a cliche — often used by rich and powerful celebrities to enhance their public image. But there are several Premier League footballers who are putting their money where their mouth is by getting involved in crucial grassroots projects around the country. In this age of uber-wealthy football stars, it is somewhat gratifying to...

Despite some noticeable improvements in recent years, disabled people are still finding it far too difficult to get involved in football. Whether they’re on the terraces or on the pitch, it seems that people living with disability have to work twice as hard as their able-bodied friends and families to enjoy the sport they love. The shameful accessibility issues in...

After many years of fending off criticism about their approach to grassroots football in England, the FA’s biggest initiative to date made a huge splash in the press this week. The Parklife Football Hubs Programme arrived in Sheffield - the home of football - and it was welcomed across South Yorkshire as the next step to increasing participation levels in...

One of the biggest mysteries in English grassroots football is: Where does all of the money the FA claims to spend end up? We’re constantly being told that investment by the super-rich Premier League and Football Association is at record levels, yet participation levels continue to fall and local clubs continue to fold at an alarming rate. One avenue through...