The FA has finally started to take the issue of abuse at grassroots football matches seriously. New codes of conduct and various initiatives related to Respect have already been put in motion — but former Leicester City and Wales midfielder Robbie Savage has his own thoughts on the issue. Robbie may have played at some of the most famous football...

Young referee Ryan Hampson finally gave bad behaviour at local football matches the red card this month when he led a strike in protest against the abuse being directed to match officials. The inspirational 18-year-old persuaded more than 2,000 of his colleagues to join him in his protest. For too long, referees officiating on playing fields and municipal pitches up...

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...

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...

If a CEO or an executive board member were to deliver a bad performance, the chances are they’d be fired. If you were to fail in your most basic of duties at work, you’d probably face the axe too. So why do the faceless FA board members, who are ultimately responsible for the grassroots game in the UK, seem to...

The sex abuse scandal that has enveloped British football in recent weeks has shone a light on how vulnerable our youngsters can be. We often entrust virtual strangers with the wellbeing and safety of our children, yet we usually know very little about the coaches and administrators who are crucial to the grassroots game. The FA and the various grassroots...

Despite some noticeable improvements in recent years, disabled people are still finding it far too difficult to get involved in football. Whether they’re on the terraces or on the pitch, it seems that people living with disability have to work twice as hard as their able-bodied friends and families to enjoy the sport they love. The shameful accessibility issues in...