The FAW initiative—known as Project Chwarae (Project Play)—will initially focus on junior football in selected pilot areas, including the South Wales Women and Girls’ League. The proposed calendar introduces a summer playing season, with a scheduled break in August, aiming to avoid the worst of the winter weather that has increasingly disrupted grassroots football across the UK.

From a participation perspective, the rationale is compelling. Recent FAW data suggests that up to 30% of fixtures have already been postponed this season alone, with the figure rising to nearly half of all matches between November and February in previous years. This aligns with wider climate trends across the UK, where wetter winters have made natural grass pitches less reliable and increased pressure on already limited 3G facilities.

A spokesperson for Team Grassroots said:
“In certain locations in the UK we’re seeing the traditional football calendar more and more impacted by the realities of the grassroots environment. When large volumes of games are lost every winter, it impacts player development, retention and the overall experience. Any initiative that seeks to address that deserves serious attention and we’re keen to see the learning that comes from the trial.”

However, as with any structural change in grassroots sport, the challenges are equally significant. A number of clubs have opted out of the pilot, citing financial and logistical concerns. Summer months are traditionally a crucial period for grassroots clubs to generate income through tournaments and festivals—events that often underpin their financial sustainability for the rest of the year.

“We can’t ignore the economic model many grassroots clubs rely on,” a Team Grassroots spokesperson added.
“Summer tournaments are not just nice-to-have—they are essential revenue streams. Any long-term shift in the calendar would need to account for that and potentially reimagine how clubs generate income.”

There are also participation conflicts to consider. Unlike the winter months, summer brings competition from other sports such as cricket, as well as family holidays and wider community activities. For multi-sport athletes and volunteers—who are the backbone of grassroots football—this could create new pressures rather than alleviate existing ones.

The FAW has been clear that this is an exploratory process. The pilot is voluntary, and multiple models are being tested, including an alternative approach that introduces an extended winter break within the existing structure. Importantly, the governing body is also looking beyond Wales, with the Republic of Ireland already transitioning towards a summer-based football calendar, offering a valuable case study.

From our perspective at Team Grassroots, this is exactly the kind of innovation the game needs—but it must be evidence-led.

“We welcome the FAW’s willingness to test and learn,” our spokesperson continued.
“Grassroots football is evolving rapidly, and decisions of this scale should be grounded in real data from players, coaches and clubs. The key will be balancing participation, player welfare and financial sustainability.”

Ultimately, the success or failure of Project Chwarae will not be judged on theory, but on outcomes. Will more games be played? Will more players stay in the game? And can clubs remain financially viable within a new structure?

These are the questions that matter—and like the wider grassroots community, we’ll be watching closely.

The incident, which reportedly involved a significant number of adults and children, occurred on the sideline of the boys match. Due to the proximity of the disturbance, match officials overseeing the nearby girls fixture made the decision to abandon the game on safeguarding grounds.

Young Players Left “Terrified” by Sideline Disorder

Witnesses present at the venue described scenes of fighting, shouting, swearing and aggressive behaviour. The under-10 girls team playing on the adjacent pitch were reportedly left distressed by the situation unfolding nearby.

Parents and spectators stated that the behaviour created an environment that felt unsafe and intimidating for young players, prompting officials to prioritise welfare and call the fixture to a halt.

Video footage circulating online appears to show multiple individuals involved in physical altercations. It is understood that this footage has been submitted to Liverpool County FA, which is expected to investigate the matter in line with its safeguarding and disciplinary procedures.

At this stage, no formal findings or sanctions have been announced.

League Statement Following the Abandoned Girls Fixture

Following the abandonment of the under-10 girls match that was taking place next to the incident, Wigan & District Youth Football League issued the following statement:

Official League Statement
We have been made aware of the conduct that occurred during this afternoon’s boys league fixture in the Liverpool FA fixture.

As a league committed to promoting respect, inclusion, and positive behaviour across grassroots football, we are extremely disappointed to hear of the incidents reported. The behaviour described is not representative of the standards expected within youth football and falls short of the values we collectively uphold.

We are particularly concerned that this fixture took place while young female players were present onsite. Football must be a safe and welcoming environment for all participants. There is absolutely no place in our game for language or conduct that could make any player, official, or spectator feel uncomfortable or intimidated.

Let us be clear — this type of behaviour will not be condoned in the WDYFL.

We fully support appropriate action being taken in line with league regulations and safeguarding policies. Clubs, coaches, players, and spectators all share a responsibility to model respect and sportsmanship at every fixture.

Grassroots football should be about development, enjoyment, and creating positive experiences for young people. We stand firmly behind any measures that reinforce those principles.

The league clarified that its statement relates to the girls fixture impacted by the incident occurring on the neighbouring pitch.

Safeguarding and Respect in Grassroots Football

Incidents of disorder at youth football fixtures raise serious safeguarding concerns. Grassroots football is built on principles of development, inclusion, enjoyment and respect — particularly in age groups as young as under-10s.

Investigations by Liverpool County FA are expected to determine whether disciplinary action is required under league regulations and FA safeguarding policies.

Further updates will follow once official findings are released.

Statement from Teamgrassroots

A spokesperson for Teamgrassroots said:

“Teamgrassroots unequivocally condemns violence, abusive language, intimidation or disorder of any kind within grassroots football.

While we are not involved in the organisation or administration of the fixture in question, we believe youth football must always provide a safe, inclusive and positive environment for children, volunteers and families.

We support the appropriate governing authorities in conducting a thorough review in accordance with established safeguarding and disciplinary procedures.

Grassroots football should be centred on development, enjoyment and respect. Any conduct that undermines those values has no place in the game.”

The FA first launched the bodycam trial in February 2023 across four adult grassroots partner leagues in Middlesbrough, Liverpool, Worcester and Essex. The initiative has since expanded to include additional counties, with Lincolnshire FA joining the trial.

The aim of the trial is to explore whether the use of bodycams improves participant behaviour and respect towards referees, while also providing officials with greater confidence, reassurance and protection on matchdays.

The trial began in Lincolnshire at the end of January 2026 and is being conducted across a limited number of matches in the Lincs League, the Grimsby Sunday League, and Lincs FA County Cup competitions. Selected grassroots referees will wear body-worn cameras while officiating adult grassroots fixtures. All referees taking part have received the appropriate training and guidance to ensure the equipment is used effectively and in line with approved FA protocols. Where required, recorded footage may be used as supporting evidence in disciplinary hearings.

The introduction of bodycams comes at a time when referee abuse is rising nationally, contributing to a shortage of officials and, in some cases, fixtures being postponed due to a lack of referees.

Alongside the bodycam trial, Lincolnshire FA continues to implement a range of measures aimed at improving behaviour, including stronger sanctions for repeat offenders, sin bins and captain-only communication initiatives, all designed to promote respect for match officials.

The FA will continue to monitor and evaluate the impact of bodycams across all participating counties as part of the wider IFAB and FA trial.

Commenting on the trial, Declan Ford, Referee Development Manager at Lincolnshire FA, said: “I am delighted that Lincs FA referees have been selected to take part in this ongoing national trial and I will be very interested to see the impact it has on participant behaviour. We will continue to look at different ways to support all the referees of Lincolnshire operating across grassroots football.”

Lincolnshire FA remains committed to creating a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for referees, ensuring grassroots football can continue to thrive across the county.

A family home was left heavily smoke-damaged and uninhabitable after a fire broke out in a garage at a residential property. The fire is reported to be under investigation, with an electric boot-drying device among the items believed to be a possible factor. The device had reportedly been used to dry children’s sports boots, a common practice in grassroots football households, particularly during winter months.

The occupant returned home to find the property filling with smoke and contacted the emergency services. Fire crews attended and brought the situation under control; however, the damage to the home was extensive. The family — two adults and two children — are understood to have temporarily relocated while repairs are assessed, which may take a significant period of time.

“It was terrifying,” she said. “We are so lucky to be alive. Ten minutes later and my whole house would have fully burnt down.”

The individual later described the experience as overwhelming, explaining that the smell appeared electrical in nature. Firefighters subsequently confirmed that opening the garage door could have presented additional danger at the time.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service confirmed attendance at the incident and stated:

“At shortly after 11.10am on Tuesday, January 13, three fire engines from Rochdale and Oldham fire station were called to a fire involving the garage of a detached house on Whitebeam Close, Oldham.

“Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used hose reels to extinguish the fire and made the area safe alongside partners.

“The suspected cause of the fire was a fault with an electric device.”

The product referenced in reports was advertised as a “portable quick-dry shoe dryer” with a “220 volt British plug” and has since been removed from sale on TikTok Shop while further enquiries take place.

TikTok said: “We take the safety of our customers extremely seriously and we’re concerned to hear about this incident.
We have removed this product from our platform whilst we fully investigate this issue.”

A spokesperson for TeamGrassroots said the incident highlights the importance of ongoing safety awareness within the grassroots football community:

“Safety must always be the most important thing — especially when it comes to children and families. While investigations are ongoing, this situation is concerning because it involves a type of product commonly found in grassroots football households.”

They added:

“We would encourage parents, coaches, and volunteers to take a moment to review any electrical products used to dry boots or sports kit, particularly those purchased online. If there are any concerns around safety, certification, or condition, the product should not be used.”

“Grassroots football relies on families and volunteers, and ensuring their safety — both at home and around the game — must always come first.”

Legal Disclaimer

This post is shared for general safety awareness purposes only. All information referenced is based on reports available at the time of publication. The cause of the incident described remains subject to investigation, and no conclusions should be drawn regarding liability, fault, or product safety beyond what has been officially confirmed by the relevant authorities.

TeamGrassroots does not make any determination as to the cause of the incident and does not allege wrongdoing by any individual, organisation, or manufacturer. References to products or platforms are included solely in the context of public reporting and official statements.

Readers are encouraged to seek independent, professional advice regarding electrical safety and to follow guidance issued by manufacturers, retailers, and recognised safety authorities.

However, the football itself was ultimately eclipsed by events that unfolded later. The game descended into chaos with a multi-person brawl breaking out both on the pitch and off it, involving players and individuals in the surrounding areas. Footage of the disorder has since circulated widely on social media, drawing strong reaction from supporters and the wider non-league football community.
The scenes have led to an investigation being launched, with both clubs now aware of the seriousness of the situation and the attention it has attracted.

Bilston Town FC addressed the incident in a statement released later that evening. Bilston Town FC tweeted at half 10 on Saturday night:
“We understand that there is a video or videos shared by people from the game today. We would like to state that this is not a fair reflection of the game or day as a whole.

“As a club we are in the process of investigating all footage from today’s game. We would like to thank the supporters of @Droylsden_FC for their cooperation.”

Amid the online reaction that followed, one Bilston player also responded to criticism aimed at those involved. Bilston player Luke Carter, in reply to online reaction, said:
“He was defending his family. So instead of chatting shite on every post know the facts first.”

Cheshire FA has taken the decision to temporarily pause all fixtures within the Wallasey Junior Football League for a period of two weeks. This follows the resignation of several key members of the League Management Committee (LMC).

This pause has been implemented to ensure that the league can return to safe and compliant operation as swiftly as possible. During this period, Cheshire FA will be working closely with the remaining LMC members to stabilise the situation and plan the next steps.

Impact on Clubs

• Central venue sites at Woodchurch Leisure Centre, Leasowe Leisure Centre, The Delph, Woodhurch High School, will not be hosting league fixtures due to outstanding safeguarding requirements and the need for appropriate risk assessments. Private hire will be available subject to availability.
• Clubs may organise and participate in friendly fixtures during the pause.

Conduct and Responsibilities

Cheshire FA wishes to remind all participants, volunteers, and parents that everyone involved in grassroots football has a responsibility to act in the best interests of the game. We strongly urge individuals not to share unverified information on social media. Any form of abuse online or otherwise, will be investigated and appropriate action will be taken.

Next Steps

All official updates and communications will be sent directly to key club officials.

Cheshire FA will not be commenting further on this matter.

Nearly 1,000 community projects have already benefited from new and upgraded facilities in 2025/26 — and more funding is on the way.

What’s Being Invested?

Through the Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme, 991 projects across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have received funding to improve local sports spaces. These improvements include:

• All-weather (3G) pitches for year-round football

• Floodlights to extend evening playing hours

• New goalposts, fencing and storage

• Modern changing pavilions, designed to welcome women and girls

• Facilities that can also support schools, health programmes and community events

These upgrades help clubs cope with bad weather, rising costs, and growing demand — while creating safer, more inclusive spaces for players, coaches and volunteers.

Supporting the Communities That Need It Most

At least 50% of all funding is going directly to the 30% most deprived communities in the UK. This means clubs in areas that have struggled with poor pitches and outdated facilities are finally getting the support they need.

For families facing cost-of-living pressures, these local improvements provide low-cost ways to stay active close to home — helping physical and mental health while bringing communities together.

Backing Women, Girls and Under-Served Groups

A key focus of the funding is removing barriers for groups that have been under-represented in grassroots sport, including:

• Women and girls

• People with disabilities

• Ethnic minority communities

Funded sites will include:

• Better changing facilities

• Priority pitch time for women’s and girls’ teams

• Safer, more welcoming environments

Over the next five years, the aim is to move towards equal access to prime-time slots for women’s and girls’ football as demand continues to grow.

What’s Next? £85 Million Now Open for Applications

The Government has now announced the next phase of funding:

• £85 million available for 2026/27

• Applications now open in England

• Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland to follow

This is part of a £400 million long-term commitment to grassroots sport, designed to improve health, reduce pressure on the NHS, and strengthen communities through sport.

Why This Matters for Grassroots Football

Better facilities mean:

• More games played, whatever the weather

• More players able to join and stay involved

• Stronger clubs that can grow sustainably

• Healthier, more connected communities

For grassroots football organisations, this investment is a real opportunity — not just to improve pitches and buildings, but to open doors for the next generation of players, volunteers and fans.

This group chat is supposed to be about kick-off times, pitch sharing and making sure eight-year-olds get to enjoy their weekend football — not a place for grown adults to circulate drug-related content. For any coach to think this was acceptable is beyond comprehension.

League officials have rightly condemned the message as “disgusting”, and moved instantly to remove the coach. Child protection officers and the coach’s own club were notified immediately. The league has made it absolutely clear that this individual is barred for good, and will not set foot at any Fonacab League venue again. No debate. No second chances.

In a strongly worded statement, the league said that while it cannot monitor every private message sent between coaches, its expectations could not be clearer: any behaviour that puts children’s safety, wellbeing or the reputation of grassroots football at risk will be dealt with on the spot.

They also paid tribute to the many volunteers and coaches who work hard to uphold the values this level of football is built on — a sharp contrast to the behaviour shown here.

Because at the end of the day, this is children’s sport. Their environment should be safe, positive and free from this kind of behaviour. And when someone forgets that, they simply have no place in the game.

We asked why the craze towards poaching the best players from the area to create an elite team, who does this benefit? Is it best for the kids? Is it to feed a coaches ego to win everything?

I recall a conversation 2 years ago between 2 under 7 coaches at the end of season presentation. Whilst discussing plans for their respective under 8 season one coach said he was to advertise in local papers and social media for trials as he had a few “weak links” he wanted to bring in players who were better.

The second coach challenged this and said he thought it was wrong to have a team at this age for so long and then have trials to ultimately have them replaced.

He said a coaches job is to coach, develop and nurture his players, and not to cast aside kids he has and poach other teams kids for a better team. This he argued was not coaching.

Both coaches continued the debate for a while but could not agree.

Ultimately the trials happened and about 60% of the team changed, again he did this from U8s to U9s and was in his eyes extremely successful winning leagues/tournaments and cups.

At U10s things began to change, knowing that their own children’s positions on the team were constantly at threat, parents began turning their back on the trophies and uncertainty and instead turned towards consistency and certainty, the penny had dropped.

This wasn’t a sustainable or happy team, it was filled with stressed children worried about there place.

No child should have to have this worry, what had started off as something for the kids had turned into an ego trip for the coach.

The good news is that poachers are uncommon. Over time, clubs and parents figure things out as the poacher’s methods wear thin.

The short-term benefit of a league or Cup is overcome by the poacher’s reputation and remember, if your playing for a poacher’s team your very place on the team is under threat at all times.

If your child has a coach, and not a poach, take a moment to thank him or her for doing things the right way because ultimately something much more than football is at stake and a coach knows this, your child’s happiness and wellbeing.

And in the end, the U-7s premier or U-10s holiday park tournament won’t be nearly as important as the good character your coach displayed each day for your son or daughter.