Redditch MP Chris Bloore has spoken in Parliament about the importance of his local non-league side and the positive wider impact on local communities that clubs make.
A number of teams play in his constituency including Redditch Borough, Sporting Club Inkberrow and Redditch United. The latter worked in partnership with the FA to show that Redditch United had contributed a “staggering” 173,000 hours of “social interaction” in the local community.
“Non-league football clubs attract local fans and generate money through ticket sales, concessions such as food, drink and merchandise, and parking fees. The funds flow directly into the local economy, benefiting surrounding businesses, such as pubs, cafés, restaurants and shops,” said Bloore.
“The club generates nearly £200,000 in total health value, nearly £20,000 in social value and over £1 million in wellbeing value—all from just 10 full-time staff and 50 part-time staff. Those numbers, and that effectiveness, would make any local authority, public health unit or Government scheme blush.”
He also highlighted that the relatively low cost of non-league football made it accessible to a wide audience with Redditch United seeing crowds treble in recent seasons.
Local impact
Many clubs run local initiatives too, often around matters such as mental health and wellbeing campaigns, with the MP pointing out that some participants at his local club have built the confidence to become qualified grassroots football coaches and even found work after long absences.
The House of Commons heard how walking football at Redditch United has given older and less mobile players a pathway into playing once again and helped support those suffering from isolation.
“It was heartening to see more senior players who were still active, and that those who had suffered from poor mental health felt that they had an outlet, and a community to be proud of,” said Bloore. “Football is a tool to create partnerships that local government and national governments sometimes cannot make.”
Bloore said he welcomed the Government’s commitment to delivering the Football Governance Bill and hoped that, once it passed, they could work with the FA, local authorities and non-league clubs to review the sustainability and resilience of non-league football…
READ MORE at source: https://thefsa.org.uk/news/mp-highlights-importance-of-non-league-clubs/
Author: The Walking Football
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