The early solution to save the future of grassroots football

While the women’s game has seen incredible growth and junior football is thriving, the men’s 11-a-side game at the bottom of they pyramid continues to struggle.

Local leagues across the country have witnessed a massive reduction in clubs and players over the past two decades, prompting this innovative suggestion from Shamwickshire Rovers in North Devon.

What do you think?

“So, after another early cancellation, It’s clear to see that numbers are slowly declining in grassroots football.

“There’s a few things we can do to help but ultimately if they don’t want to play they don’t have to, but we think the love for local footy is still there, certainly with the clubs that want to advance.

“There were no rule changes at all last season but we’re exploring the option of this one and want people’s feedback, please make it constructive and please don’t just use it to slag of the league, Shammy or referees or anyone just your honest opinion in a debate can only be helpful!

“Local Football Kicking Off at 10:30am – Pros & Cons.

Pros:

More support for local semi-pro clubs, which is crucial to their survival. When these games don’t clash with grassroots kick-offs or midweek matches, attendances are noticeably higher. The earlier kick-off gives fans a chance to support their local team and still catch the afternoon local action, not only supporting them on the pitch but vitally financially off it as well, BOCA, Fremington, Appledore, Torrington, ilfracombe, torridgside, Bideford and Barnstaple there are so many options to support locally! (The same can be said for regions all over Devon).

Helps with the referee shortage – it’s getting harder and harder to find refs for local games (some teams actually having to ref themselves last year). Refs want to climb the ladder, no problem in that, and some are running the line in the higher leagues also. Making early KO they can now do a morning and an afternoon game, doubling opportunities for them and their income, while stopping the referee shortage WIN WIN!

Family-friendly – players, coaches, and fans can be done by midday and enjoy the rest of their Saturday with family, instead of hanging around all morning for a 2.30 kick-off, can’t do nothing before or after! We’ve all been their wake up at 9am grab a brekky, put on an 18-team accumulator that’s guaranteed to come in and it’s 10am! Sat round twiddling your thumbs waiting for the game anyway! This may bring some back into playing who have families, as they can get a game done in the morning and then family time in the afternoon! (Or shopping with the wife which every team will have that one player who uses it as an excuse to miss game).

Already implemented in cities with great success, we’re not reinventing the wheel here, London, Manchester, Birmingham all have local leagues that KO AT 10.30, and they’ve all stated how much of a positive impact it has had on the leagues and the local higher level clubs!

Cons:

Might lose the odd few who work Saturday mornings but hopefully that’s outweighed by the overall benefits. That’s quite simply the only one we can think off! Some lads want to work on Sat mornings (that’s what the weeks are for, Saturdays are for footy!)

Local football needs fresh ideas we think this is a simple one that could make a huge difference

What’s your take? Early kick-offs: top bins or Var rubbish.”