Nearly 1,000 public pitches lost since 2010

Figures from trade union GMB show that almost 1,000 public football pitches have been lost in the UK since 2010. Data from a Freedom of Information request – made by GMB to local authorities in the UK and published at the union’s annual conference held this month – there are 846 fewer local authority-owned, or operated, football pitches in 2023 than there were in 2009-10.

In addition, councils said that a further 80 pitches had also been closed – meaning at least 926 pitches have gone. The worst-hit part of the UK was Scotland, which lost 271 pitches during the period. Other badly hit areas were Northern England and Wales.

Rachel Harrison, GMB National Secretary, said: “Losing almost 1,000 council football pitches could crush grass roots football in the UK.”