Sport
The volunteer coaches building a stronger grassroots game
Behind every weekend fixture is a network of people giving their time for free.
Children playing soccer.
Photograph: Unsplash
More than eight thousand children play organised football in the county each weekend. Almost all of their coaches are volunteers, and many say the role has never been more demanding.
Why it matters
Sport at the grassroots is about far more than results. It builds confidence, friendships and healthier communities.
On the ground
Our reporting draws on interviews with residents, officials and independent experts, alongside public documents reviewed by the Newslora sport desk. Where figures are quoted, they come from published sources that readers can check.
What happens next
The county association is launching free coaching qualifications in January, funded by a new partnership with local businesses.
“We are not just coaching football. We are giving kids somewhere to belong.”
About the writer
Marcus Reed
Marcus reports on sport at every level, from major competitions to the clubs and volunteers building local participation.
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