Local football clubs vital for community wellbeing, charity warns

The majority of people believe communities will suffer if their local football club closes, according to a new survey.

The survey for the charity Hope not Hate found that 52% of people think the local economy will suffer if their club closes, while 55% say the local community will suffer.

And amongst those who support a club the figure is even higher – 70% think that the local economy will suffer, and 72% think that the local community will suffer.

A new report by the charity – Loss on the Terraces: Football, Towns & Local Identity – argues that the country cannot overlook the plight of local football clubs and treat their potential loss as a ‘sports issue’ – this is as much a social issue as the loss of libraries, local heritage or community facilities.

The report also found that almost two thirds (64%) of the general public, whether football fans or not, agree that football clubs have an important place in British culture and identity.

And half (56%) of people believe there’s a racism problem in football, with only 14% disagreeing.

The report also argues that football clubs play an important role in creating shared community identity and are institutions that give people a sense of history, security, purpose and belonging in a rapidly changing modern world that has left many communities and individuals feeling at sea and disconnected from traditional networks.

‘Across the country we are witnessing the devastating effects of the pandemic restrictions on high streets, hospitality and the arts – and the threat posed to England’s local football clubs is just as severe,’ said Hope not Hate’s head of policy, Rosie Carter.

Local football clubs can have an important role to play in strengthening the shared identities and social bonds that help communities remain united in difficult times and withstand the divisive forces that can corrode local solidarity.

‘It’s not an exaggeration to say our local football clubs are irreplaceable – they embody decades of history, identity and connection, and at a time where community, solidarity and shared meaning are more important than ever,  political and football authorities must take action to ensure their survival before it is too late.’

Photo Credit – Skeeze (Pixabay)