The creation of the modern game of football is universally credited to Sheffield F.C. in England. However, the act of kicking a spherical object around for fun is an ancient endeavour that stretches back to around 300 BC. Footballs have a long and illustrious history that is as much about passion for the game as it is about scientific innovation...

The House of Commons debated the current state of football’s governing body in England last month — and voted overwhelmingly in favour of reform. The FA has resisted real and lasting change in the past, so will the threat of legislation change the organisation for the better? Following a motion of no-confidence in the FA — presented to Parliament by...

It is now estimated that around one in five people in England live with a disability or a chronic illness. For the vast majority of these people, the need to exercise and socialise is just as important as it is for able-bodied people. Fortunately, opportunities to get involved in disability football are numerous, and they’re growing all the time. Since...

  Tom Heaton has come a long way since his days as a trainee at Manchester United. The Burnley stopper’s time at United didn’t involve much in the way for first team action — although he was in the travelling 24-man squad for the 2008 Champions’ League final in Munich. After leaving Old Trafford on a Bosman free transfer, Heaton...

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The FA is constantly being lambasted for its management of grassroots football in England, but to be fair, it is finally taking the problem seriously. Every year since 2010, the “Grow the Game” initiative has provided funds to local youth teams up and down the country. Any FA-affiliated club can apply for a grant of up to £1,500 for each...

Most adult Sunday league players — and probably more professional players than you realise — have been forced to take to a football field whilst feeling the effects of alcohol. Right up until the 1980s, the best football players in the land could be seen propping up bars until the early hours on the eve of a big match. How...

The behaviour of some players and parents in grassroots football has been a major cause of concern for many years now. But over the last decade or so, the situation at youth level seems to have become worse — despite the existence of the FA’s Respect campaign. So bad has the problem become, grassroots referees were planning to strike on...

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...

An increasing number of grassroots football teams are having their fixtures and training schedules decimated because of inclement weather. The shocking state of municipal pitches in the UK results in postponed matches and training sessions when it rains. But if your team has access to indoor facilities, there are some very effective training drills that will keep everyone sharp until...