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It’s hard to read anything about grassroots football these days without hearing about the hardship that local clubs, associations and players are being forced to endure. There’s more money in the game than ever before, yet there are still thousands of young players being forced to play on dangerously worn pitches every weekend. After several years of public pressure, the...

Professional Players and Funding Form a Powerful Force for Good in Grassroots Football The link between the elite of English football and the grassroots game is well established — and it’s more important than ever. But strangely, it often seems like the people running English football simply don’t understand this. There’s far more to consider than just the next crop...

When was the last time you seriously considered goalpost safety? If you’re a coach, an administrator or an official in grassroots football, the safety of the goals you use should be a priority. Not only do you need to ensure your goals meet stringent manufacturing and quality guidelines, you need to make sure that they’re regularly inspected in line with...

European football’s showpiece event isn’t just about the game’s elite; it’s about the grassroots game too. While the game’s richest and most talented players are given the ultimate stage on which to shine, the people who play the game on playing fields and municipal pitches also get their day in the sun. UEFA’s Equal Game initiative is all about giving...

Wayne Rooney is about to become the latest European football star to see out their career in America. It seems the lure of MLS is too much to resist for the world’s biggest stars. But why is this? More importantly, is it hurting the development of the game Stateside? When Kaka signed for Orlando City, he picked up a cool...

After decades of neglect and decline, the FA started taking grassroots football a lot more seriously a few years ago. After threats of legislation and fierce criticism from high-profile players and coaches, it seemed the game’s original governing body had finally taken notice. While there have been some very laudable grassroots initiatives over the last five years or so, the...

After several years of relative inactivity in grassroots football, the government, the FA and various governing bodies are finally taking action to halt the decline in participation levels. A combination of poor facilities, a lack of pitches and a nationwide dearth of coaches has forced many young people away from the game over the last 20 or 30 years. But...

Michael Carrick has enjoyed an exemplary career — both on and off the field. Widely regarded as one of the country’s best passers, the Geordie midfielder has enjoyed huge success with Manchester United over the years. But more importantly, Carrick is a gentleman and a great ambassador for both United and English football in general. He’s the perfect role model...

The fact that grassroots football across the UK is chronically underfunded is now common knowledge. This isn’t just a problem for the sport of football; it is a problem for society in general. And despite several initiatives and funded projects to improve the situation, the FA, the Premier League and the various organisations involved have barely scratched the surface. So...

Referees at all levels of the game in Britain are leaving football in droves — and one of the main reasons is the torrent of abuse they’re receiving on a regular basis. A nationwide walkout of grassroots referees was narrowly avoided last year, but it could still happen if the FAs in England, Scotland and Wales don’t do more to...