Here at the One-Two Magazine we are fully supporting the 'Save Grassroots Football' campaign started by ex-Liverpool player Kenny Saunders. We call on the Government to ensure that grassroots football receives financial support from the Premier League.
One-Two Magazine/September, 2013
Government cuts mean that many Local Authorities are no longer able to fund grassroots football. Fees for basic facilities are climbing to the point where ordinary people are being priced out of our national sport.
The Premier League continues to grow in popularity around the world. Domestic broadcasting rights for 2013-14 to 2015-16 have been sold for £3bn, combined with global rights the Premier League could bring in as much as £5bn over the next three seasons.
This cash boost must not be wasted on ever-increasing wages for players when grassroots football is struggling.
The Government must encourage the FA to ensure that 7.5% of money from broadcasting rights goes to fund grassroots football. If the FA and Premier League are unable to do so voluntarily the Government must be willing to take further action to make this compulsory.
The campain is also backed by names such as Ian St.John and former Liverpool manager Roy Evans as well as being supported by MP David Crausby. The online petition, at the last count, was at just over 17,000 and rising everyday.
MP David Crausby said " I've heard stories from around the country about fees too high for ordinary families to pay, poor quality pitches, and an absence of decent changing facilities."
"The Premier League signed a deal for their broadcasting rights over the next three seasons that is worth £5bn. Clearly there is money in football, but it is being concentrated at the top. I don't want this cash boost to be wasted on even higher wages for managers and players, it's time for the Premier League to give more back to the grassroots."
"Children up and down the country benefit from being able to take part in organised football. It’s not just good exercise; it teaches them important life skills like team work and helps them to build friendships. I don't want children to miss out on the chance to take part."
The Premier League continues to grow in popularity around the world and inspires many children to get active and play football. It must be right for us to ask the Premier League to share it's success with the families that help make that success possible.
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