Football clubs, leagues and associations throughout the UK have been struggling to cope with major problems coming from almost every conceivable direction in recent years. As well as chronic underinvestment, declining participation levels and decaying facilities, a growing number of clubs are now struggling to simply fulfil their fixture list. Several postponements in recent months have been highlighted in newspapers...

The thought of plunging your body into ice cold water after playing football may sound like an unpleasant experience, but many professional athletes frequently immerse themselves in an ice bath after training or competing. Does an ice bath speed up recovery after exercise? Research has shown that strenuous exercise creates minute areas of trauma to the muscles.  This creates activity...

The Premier League has come under fire in recent years for its apparent lack of activity at grassroots level in England. But has this criticism been fair? Record revenues from broadcasting deals and sponsorships have made the Premier League the richest domestic football competition in the world - by quite some distance. While the vast majority of this money goes...

Premier League footballers aren’t always held in the highest esteem amongst those outside the football bubble. Huge weekly wages, bad behaviour on and off the pitch and a lack of role models has left a significant section of the population cynical with regard to the game’s highest earners. But is this fair? The Premier League has a range of community...

The FA has come in for some stinging criticism during the last decade for its inability to reverse the trend of falling participation levels in local communities. Yet judging by their recent announcement regarding ‘record levels of investment’, the decision makers at the FA would have you believe that everything is right on track. The FA Group released its financial...

Climate change is having a huge impact on weather patterns in Britain, and some regions are suffering more than others. While the plight of homeowners is quite rightly reported as a priority in the press, the plight of small football clubs is often overlooked. In December, Storm Desmond wreaked havoc in the north of England. Widespread flooding ruined council pitches...

Following intense pressure to improve participation levels in football throughout England, the FA has undertaken its largest ever survey into the grassroots game. One of the main causes of plummeting participation levels in England is the state of local pitches, club houses and training facilities. And the results of this huge survey have demonstrated just how passionately people feel about...

Another new year lies ahead, and it’s time to get your priorities in place for what lies ahead in your footballing career. Use these seven New Year’s resolutions to improve your game - and your team’s fortunes. 1. I will work on my technique at every opportunity Ask Cristiano Ronaldo or David Beckham, and they will tell you that constant...

The British football season is a long one, and Christmas is slap bang in the middle of it. As a regular player, you have a responsibility to your club and your teammates to look after yourself over the festive season period - but that’s often easier said than done. While controlling your weight during Christmas is vitally important, so is...

Football at Christmas is just as much part of the English game as half-time pies and jumpers for goalposts are. But in order to stay match fit during the festive period, you will need to make the right lifestyle choices. Christmastime is filled with temptations, many of which can be very hard to resist. However, if you can remain vigilant...