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Mitre has been a prominent name in the global sports equipment industry for more than 200 years. Famous for its long-standing association with the beautiful game, it’s synonymous with high-quality footballs and various items of equipment.  The company, which began its journey in a leather tannery, has showcased a relentless passion and love for the game of football throughout its...

There’s a feeling among many players, coaches and administrators that health and safety within grassroots football is an administrative, box-ticking exercise. While there’s an element of truth in this point of view, the principles of health and safety are, first and foremost, about protecting people from accidents, mishaps, and bad behaviour.  Of course, you can never eliminate risk from any...

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...

Having a few key items of football equipment on hand is a great way to ensure your grassroots training sessions are successful.  Knowledge and enthusiasm are great, but they’ll only get you so far. That’s why we’ve compiled an essential football equipment checklist for grassroots training sessions. Having just the basics in your inventory should improve your team’s performances and...

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...

The football world stood up and took notice when the verdict of the 2002 inquest into the death of former England striker Jeff Astle was handed down. “Death by industrial disease” was the opinion of the coroner, and for the first time ever, a legal link between heading in football and long-term brain injury was established.  Astle was just 59...

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...

Money has never been tighter in grassroots football. Every penny counts, which makes maintaining pitches harder than ever. While you might not be responsible for the overall upkeep of the grassroots football pitch you use, you should still be aware of the basic principles involved. You can then play your part, and help to keep your pitch as healthy as...