I have noticed more this season than any other that in both my Saturday and Sunday leagues, teams are dropping out as they are struggling to get players. This has always been a worrying trend in previous seasons but typically new teams join to replace those that are not starting a new season. Now they are dropping out mid season.
I have spoken to my local referees secretary to suggest 11AM kick off's instead of 10.30AM in the hope the extra 30 mins may allow more players to make KO time. In my day the pubs kicked you out at 11PM so making a Sunday morning kick off was a lot easier.
Young adults these days have additional pressures of work, alternative sports and varied leisure distractions and so grass roots football is in trouble in my humble opinion.
Referees are now having to take more "rest" days as we have more officials than matches to cover.
What are your observations and opinions?
I have spoken to my local referees secretary to suggest 11AM kick off's instead of 10.30AM in the hope the extra 30 mins may allow more players to make KO time. In my day the pubs kicked you out at 11PM so making a Sunday morning kick off was a lot easier.
Young adults these days have additional pressures of work, alternative sports and varied leisure distractions and so grass roots football is in trouble in my humble opinion.
Referees are now having to take more "rest" days as we have more officials than matches to cover.
What are your observations and opinions?