Our grassroots pitches are the heart of our communities; they’re where we scored our first goal, met our best mates, took our kids for kickabouts, and turned up rain or shine. 

These spaces bring joy, belonging, and pride to millions across the country.

But right now, our community pitches are under threat. Flooding, waterlogging, and extreme weather caused by climate change are making them unsafe, unusable, and in some cases, permanently damaged.

And it’s getting worse each year.

The Impact Today

Because of climate-related damage:

• Over 7,500 matches are postponed each season due to waterlogged pitches (Sports for Nature)
• Almost 3 in 4 football fans have been affected by game cancellations caused by extreme weather in the past year (Round Our Way)
• Close to 100,000 grassroots games are cancelled annually because pitches become unplayable in bad weather (FA / Football For All)

What We’re Asking For

We are calling on the UK Government - specifically the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) - to work together and take responsibility for protecting and restoring grassroots sports spaces across the UK.

We want to see:

• A dedicated national taskforce to protect grassroots sports spaces
• Support & funding for local councils to safeguard community pitches
• Clear accountability within government for maintaining these spaces
• Nationwide standards for maintenance & climate resilience
• Investment in climate-resilient solutions, including drainage, flood prevention & restoration
• Restoration programs for already-damaged community spaces
• Community involvement - giving local people a voice in solutions

Sign this petition to urge the Government to protect, restore, and future-proof our grassroots sports spaces - before we lose them for good.