grassroots football

Grassroots football in the UK might be on life support, but there is still hope for the future. While the cost of living crisis has affected the game in communities across the country, help is available — albeit limited in nature.  While the issue of chronic underfunding is still holding the game back at the grassroots level, there are some...

Speed is one of grassroots football’s great levellers. It’s an attribute that can nullify a range of technical and tactical strengths if it’s used at the right times in the right ways. Unfortunately, speed is largely a naturally gifted trait. In simple terms, you’re either born with raw pace or you have to work at it. And even if you...

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...

Children love to play and participate in sports — and they love spending quality time with their parents. By teaching your children how to play football, you can embrace both of these activities for unforgettable bonding experiences.  For young children, the priority must be fun. If your football coaching sessions aren’t fun, your children will quickly lose interest — maybe...

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...

With grassroots football facing an existential crisis in the UK right now, anything that can boost participation and retention levels is welcome. Technology is already being used in the game, but until relatively recently its impact has been limited.  Fundraising But things are slowly changing. Back in 2019, a Durham-based entrepreneur created a mobile app that helps local football clubs...

Grassroots football across the UK is back after another lengthy Covid-19 lockdown. Local teams across the country were forced to stop playing in December after infections rose considerably. But since Monday 29 March, children and amateurs across the country have been back in action — albeit outdoors only.  Outdoor sporting facilities can now open, and organised football is permitted —...