As an under 12 grassroots football coach, every winter is a struggle for everyone involved.

Kids, coaches and families get demoralised when games are routinely cancelled and disruption to family life is inevitable with last-minute rearrangements. But it's not just a logistical nightmare, it's also a financial drain, as expensive artificial pitches have to be hired at short notice, with no financial support. At times parents even end up paying for these.

Clubs would prefer to invest their resources in better facilities like all-weather or indoor facilities, not on repairing pitches ravaged by winter conditions or hiring expensive local schools and leisure centres.

We propose a winter break in grassroots football from the 1st of December to the 1st of March. As most grassroots teams play on grass pitches and are unable to fulfill fixtures through the winter period. Often, games are played on substandard pitches, putting players at risk of injury and requiring clubs to fund repairs.
By extending the current season into June, we can provide healthier playing conditions for young players and better allocation of club resources. This proposal holds potential to significantly improve the grassroots football environment while ensuring player safety and club financial stability.

Join us in urging football's governing bodies to consider this needed change. Please sign the petition and help us promote the wellbeing of our young football players and grassroot clubs.