West Midlands grassroots clubs struggling for funding and volunteers, report finds

Grassroots football clubs across the West Midlands are being squeezed by rising costs and difficulties recruiting volunteers, according to a new report.

The region is home to 10 grassroots football leagues comprising more than 120 clubs, underlining the popularity of the game at community level.

But new research suggests many clubs are facing increasing financial pressure, with the cost of hiring pitches among the biggest concerns.

The 2026 Grassroots Football Report, produced by sports equipment manufacturer FORZA, surveyed volunteers from more than 40 grassroots clubs across the West Midlands about the challenges facing the game.

More than two-thirds (68 per cent) of those surveyed said their club's operating costs had risen significantly during the past 12 months.

Pitch hire was identified as the biggest increase by 59 per cent of respondents.

Funding is also proving a concern, with 61 per cent of clubs surveyed saying there was not enough financial support available.

Almost a third (32 per cent) said they were unaware of the funding options open to grassroots clubs, while just seven per cent said their club had received government funding.

The financial pressures are also having an impact on the equipment available to players and coaches.

More than half of clubs surveyed (55 per cent) said they did not have enough football training equipment.

Meanwhile, finding people willing or able to give up their time to keep clubs running appears to be another growing challenge.

Some 82 per cent of respondents said recruiting volunteers had become more difficult.

Grassroots clubs rely heavily on volunteers to carry out roles ranging from coaching teams and organising fixtures to maintaining facilities and carrying out administrative work.

The findings come amid wider concerns about the increasing costs involved in running community sports clubs and ensuring football remains affordable and accessible to players.