Thomas Bridge 06 June 2014

Councils cry foul over football funding

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.’

What’s happening inside the LGPS? image

What’s happening inside the LGPS?

Get the most informed take on the challenges and opportunities that substantial reform will bring at this year’s PLSA Local Authority Conference.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Regeneration Development Surveyor

Belfast City Council
£54,971 - £58,341 per annum.
You will be responsible for providing specialist strategic regeneration input to enable the development Belfast (County)
Recuriter: Belfast City Council

Head of Development Management

Thurrock Borough Council
£72,975 - £84,333 per annum
Thurrock Council is on an exciting journey to enhance our planning services West Thurrock, Grays
Recuriter: Thurrock Borough Council

Service Director

Cornwall Council
up to £123k
Cornwall Council is focused on Community Wellbeing, and we work with a range of health and voluntary sector partners Cornwall
Recuriter: Cornwall Council

Strategic Director

Cornwall Council
up to £166k
Cornwall Council is passionate about Community Wellbeing Cornwall
Recuriter: Cornwall Council

Service Director

Cornwall Council
up to £123k
Cornwall Council is passionate about Community Wellbeing Cornwall
Recuriter: Cornwall Council
Linkedin Banner