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Non-league Football Clubs 2025-02-27
27 February 2025
Lead MP
Chris Bloore
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
NHSEconomyEmploymentTransport
Other Contributors: 6
At a Glance
Chris Bloore raised concerns about non-league football clubs 2025-02-27 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
It is a pleasure to be in the Chamber to discuss an issue that many of my constituents care deeply about: non-league football. In Redditch, clubs such as Redditch Borough FC and Sporting Club Inkberrow FC contribute significantly to the local community and economy. Redditch United alone generates over £2.5 million in direct economic value annually, nearly £200,000 in health benefits, and over £1 million in wellbeing value for its 60 staff members. The club's partnership with the Football Association has led to a study highlighting these figures. Additionally, it supports local businesses through ticket sales, concessions, and training sessions at Valley stadium. Despite this, non-league clubs face significant challenges including financial struggles, infrastructure maintenance issues, and difficulty attracting players post-promotion. Last year alone, ten per cent of teams in Redditch United’s league ceased operations, illustrating the precarious nature of these clubs. If Redditch United were to close, the economic and social impacts would be catastrophic. Local businesses like Reddit have shown support through sponsorship deals, but more is needed.
Chris Vince
Lab/Co-op
Harlow
I welcome the importance he places on non-league football and agree that volunteers are a crucial part of these clubs.
Dave Robertson
Lab
Lichfield
Agrees that while economic value is important, the social value provided by non-league clubs is invaluable for community cohesion.
Martin Vickers
Con
Brigg and Immingham
Emphasises the importance of local business support in securing finance for non-league clubs like Brigg Town FC, which encourages sponsorship to maintain operations.
Laurence Turner
Lab
Birmingham Northfield
Raises concern over funding challenges faced by clubs in developing women’s and girls’ teams as well as infrastructure investment for disability teams.
Sarah Edwards
Lab
Tamworth
Congratulates Chris Bloore on securing the debate and supports the mention of women's involvement in football. Discusses Tamworth FC's campaign for an extra promotional place to ensure money flows through the game, benefiting local clubs.
This debate has been a brilliant opportunity to discuss the economic contribution of non-league football clubs.
Government Response
The minister acknowledged the significant contribution non-league football makes to local communities, including economic benefits and social cohesion. They highlighted that the Football Foundation continues to support such clubs through funding for facilities and infrastructure. The Government recognises the importance of community interest companies in maintaining these organisations' financial stability. They announced a commitment to review transport routes serving non-league grounds and seek ways to enhance accessibility similar to premier league and championship teams. Additionally, the minister responded to specific challenges raised by MPs, emphasising the need for local partnerships between clubs and councils to address funding and strategic planning issues. The Government will continue to work with stakeholders to ensure that non-league football remains a vibrant part of British society. English football is a global success story beginning with grassroots football. The sector contributed £53.6 billion to the UK economy in 2021, employing 878,000 people on full-time contracts. DCMS supports grassroots sport through Sport England’s annual investment of £250 million from lottery and Exchequer money. A £123 million multi-sport grassroots facilities programme has funded over 559 projects in the UK this year. The Government is committed to improving public transport access for sporting events, supporting local clubs’ growth. Concerns about governance should be raised with the FA or Sport England. Non-league football delivers economic and social benefits, fostering community initiatives and youth development schemes. An FA study showed that grassroots football has a £10 billion annual value in England, saving the NHS over £43 million annually through reduced GP visits. The Government aims to ensure equal access to football for girls in schools. As I have set out, football and sport make a hugely important economic contribution to our economy and our country. This is exactly why the Government support non-league and grassroots football, and I again thank my hon. Friend for securing this debate.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
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