Council chiefs have urged England’s football bodies to dig ‘into their deep pockets’ and reinvest more cash in grassroots sport.
The Local Government Association (LGA) today put pressure on the Football Association and Premier League to grant more of the reported £3bn they make each year into local football schemes.
According to Simon Henig, vice-chair of the LGA's culture, tourism and sport board, this money could be administered by town halls, which can use their health responsibilities to ensure effective use of funds.
‘The future of football in this country is reaching a crossroads with the next generation of Wayne Rooneys or Steven Gerrards, who would have started out with a kick-about in their local park, playground or football pitch, left with very few places to practice or play,’ Henig said.
The Premier League and FA Facilities Fund commits £34m a year to improving national grassroots football facilities.
‘The football industry is booming with profits and TV revenues rising by staggering amounts each year. In stark contrast, councils have been hit with unprecedented 40% cuts and face challenges to provide essential services such as caring for the elderly, collecting bins and fixing roads,’ Henig said.
‘Grassroots football is played almost exclusively on council-owned pitches but these funding pressures are impacting on the quality of facilities and making it difficult for football players and clubs who enjoy regular football to complete fixtures and play games.’
‘The FA and Premier League do run some good local initiatives but it is now time for them to dig further into their deep pockets.’
