There’s a long and well-established link between the state of grassroots football in England and the national team. When there’s a steady flow of talent coming through the lower echelons of the game, the future is usually bright for the nation’s Three Lions. But when things aren’t going so well, the domestic arm of elite football tends to suffer. So...

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...