From football to tennis, cricket to rugby, there are different sports that are played at grassroots level. Whether you have plans to play professionally one day or you just enjoy a kickabout on a Sunday morning, there’s a lot to love about these local teams and clubs.
So, what does grassroots sport look like in 2023? Is it still possible that you might become the next Van Dijk by joining your nearest club? Read on to find out.
Why play at grassroots level?
Before we look at where we are, it’s worth considering why we play at grassroots level. This entry point for players is beneficial in several ways.
As well as giving people the chance to play a game they enjoy, grassroots sport is an opportunity to bring communities together and even, in some cases, act as a springboard for a professional career.
A cash boost
It’s safe to say that it’s been a tough 12 months for many. The cost-of-living crisis has had a far-reaching impact, and that’s true of grassroots sporting facilities too. In many cases, these local clubs had already been finding things hard, having shut down completely during the lockdowns.
Then, as running costs soared last year, many grassroots setups had to navigate providing a service while dodging expensive energy bills.
That’s why, as we begin 2023, it’s likely to come as a relief that funding is to be made available up to 2025, according to the latest news from the government. This will see £230 million injected into multi-grassroots sporting facilities.
The reasons for funding
So, why is the government introducing funding for grassroots sport? There are several reasons this is in the pipeline.
First, there’s a focus on cutting crime levels and helping at-risk teens. In fact, a further £5 million is being set aside for grassroots organisations in England and Wales as part of the Youth Justice Sports Fund. This is designed to help local sports schemes keep vulnerable people focused on sports they love and away from antisocial behaviour.
As well as keeping young people on the straight and narrow, it’s hoped that there will be a boost in participation levels at a local level. We’ve already seen more women and girls put on their football boots after the Lionesses’ roaring success last summer at the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 tournament. To keep momentum going, funding grassroots teams is likely to attract more players – and hopefully more talent.
Wil you be playing for your community team soon? Or have you been playing at grassroots level for a while?
David Prior
David Prior is the editor of Today News, responsible for the overall editorial strategy. He is an NCTJ-qualified journalist with over 20 years’ experience, and is also editor of the award-winning hyperlocal news title Altrincham Today. His LinkedIn profile is here.
