31st May 2021
Just how is local sport being affected by the pandemic?
By Adam Holt
Here we gain an insight into how local sport has been impacted by the global pandemic.
It is abundantly clear how seismic the impact of the ongoing pandemic has been on local and national grassroots sport in this country. According to the Evening Standard, Sport England will invest a further £50million into grassroots sport. This is after the they injected £220 million into grassroots at the start of the pandemic with help from the Government and the National Lottery.
All sports will be under similar strains and trying to navigate the same problems, as well as unique issues that may arise in their respective sports.
All sports in the local area will have had their leagues cancelled, lost revenue and huge uncertainty in terms of the state of the grassroots sector of sport is going to look like post-pandemic.
Shaun Thomas, manager of Coventry Sphinx FC, who gave his thoughts on the biggest challenge that has faced his and other grassroots club during this difficult time, he said: “I think the biggest challenge has been the uncertainty of the last two seasons. It has thrown up financial challenges for clubs at our level and it has really hit home how reliant we are, as a whole on the community clubs’ build. In my mind, it has demonstrated a lack of understanding the government and at times, the FA, has for clubs at our level.”
Thomas also offered his view on the future of the grassroots game, saying: “I hope this impact will be minimal, I genuinely believe non-league football in this country is something we should be proud about, and football would not be the same without it. I am hoping the local area, which is packed full of great clubs, can weather the storm and come out the other side, just as strong or if not stronger.”
All sports will be under similar strains and trying to navigate the same problems, as well as unique issues that may arise in their respective sports.
All sports in the local area will have had their leagues cancelled, lost revenue and huge uncertainty in terms of the state of the grassroots sector of sport is going to look like post-pandemic.
Shaun Thomas, manager of Coventry Sphinx FC, who gave his thoughts on the biggest challenge that has faced his and other grassroots club during this difficult time, he said: “I think the biggest challenge has been the uncertainty of the last two seasons. It has thrown up financial challenges for clubs at our level and it has really hit home how reliant we are, as a whole on the community clubs’ build. In my mind, it has demonstrated a lack of understanding the government and at times, the FA, has for clubs at our level.”
Thomas also offered his view on the future of the grassroots game, saying: “I hope this impact will be minimal, I genuinely believe non-league football in this country is something we should be proud about, and football would not be the same without it. I am hoping the local area, which is packed full of great clubs, can weather the storm and come out the other side, just as strong or if not stronger.”
Craig Williams, Head Coach of the Aston Old Edwardians Rugby Club Men’s team has highlighted to me how difficult it has been for him as a coach of a grassroots rugby club throughout the pandemic: “As a coach I had prepared for a full pre-season schedule and wanted to make some changes to our systems and to some of our playing positions. With no training or gameplay allowed my session plans were ever shortened by the changing restrictions and the ‘circuit breaker’ lockdowns put in place within 24 hours”.
Williams also gave his take on the effect that the pandemic will have on local rugby.
He said “There is a reduction in participation through players’ deterioration in fitness and willingness to return. Rugby is an inclusive sport for all shapes, sizes and all ages and this I believe will affect its return to our lives”.
With COVID, grassroots sport locally and nationally is in a state of flux, between survival and oblivion. The state of grassroots sport not just locally, but also nationally, post pandemic will be dictated with lockdown easing. Aspects of how local sports are affected are often shared, but all come with their specific challenges and setbacks in the quest for normality. Difficult times for these clubs will continue, but there is now light at the end of the tunnel.
Williams also gave his take on the effect that the pandemic will have on local rugby.
He said “There is a reduction in participation through players’ deterioration in fitness and willingness to return. Rugby is an inclusive sport for all shapes, sizes and all ages and this I believe will affect its return to our lives”.
With COVID, grassroots sport locally and nationally is in a state of flux, between survival and oblivion. The state of grassroots sport not just locally, but also nationally, post pandemic will be dictated with lockdown easing. Aspects of how local sports are affected are often shared, but all come with their specific challenges and setbacks in the quest for normality. Difficult times for these clubs will continue, but there is now light at the end of the tunnel.