On the eve of the European Championships, GMB can reveal almost 1,000 public football pitches have been lost in the UK since 2010.
As England and Scotland get ready to kick off their campaigns in Germany, new figures show there are 846 fewer local authority owned or operated football pitches today [based on the latest figures available] than there were in 2009/10.
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 a massive 271 pitches during that period.
All the other worst hit areas were all in Northern England and Wales.
The figures come from a Freedom of Information request made by GMB to local authorities in the UK and we’re revealed at GMB’s annual conference, which concludes in Bournemouth today [Thursday].
Rachel Harrison, GMB National Secretary, said:“The England and Scotland men’s teams are about to begin their European Championship campaigns, with the hopes of the two nations resting on their shoulders.
“Yet before a ball has even been kicked, the next generation of footballers have already lost.
“Losing almost 1,000 council football pitches could crush grass roots football in the UK and is yet another deeply depressing legacy of the Conservative’s austerity mission.”
First Minister to attend opening match between Scotland and Germany
First Minister John Swinney will join fans in Germany and at home cheering on the Scotland Men’s National Football Team in their first match of the tournament.
Scottish Ministers will attend Scotland’s three group stage matches of the UEFA European Football Championship.
The First Minister will attend the opening game with hosts Germany in Munich on Friday and attend the official opening ceremony of the UEFA Fan Zone in the Olympic Park stadium in Munich alongside the Lord Provost of Edinburgh and Mayor of Munich.
First Minister John Swinney said: “Football has a marvellous way of bringing people together, of all ages, of all nationalities, both women and men and it is a privilege to be heading to Munich to join them in supporting our national team and experiencing the warm hospitality of our German hosts.
“The tournament has an even more profound meaning for Scots this year as not only has our national team made it to the finals, but this year also marks the 70th anniversary of the twinning of the cities of Edinburgh and Munich.
“Celebrating the diversity within our democracies through sport strengthens our societies and improves our resilience as nations.
“I am honoured to be able to attend the opening game between Scotland and Germany and I wish our national team, led by Steve Clarke, the best of luck but most importantly I hope all of our travelling fans have a thoroughly good time.”
Sport Minister Maree Todd and Culture Secretary Angus Robertson will also attend Scotland matches with Switzerland and Hungary respectively.
They will each undertake a series of engagements in Cologne and Stuttgart focussing on culture and sport, sports diplomacy and Scottish-German relations as well as discussing opportunities for Scotland and Germany to collaborate more closely on energy research.
The Scotland Euro 2024 Men’s Squad surprised patients at the Royal Hospital for Children (RHC), Glasgow this afternoon with an unexpected meet and greet, ahead of jetting off to Germany next week.
There were squeals of excitement and joy throughout the hospital as Captain, Andrew Robertson, led the team of Scotland’s best male footballers and coaches to visit patients and their families on the wards.
The UEFA Euro 2024 tournament kicks off on Friday 14th June, with Scotland playing Germany in the tournament’s opening match. Having noted the incredible work of the RHC staff and the care that they provide for children from across the country, the squad visited to give thanks to the hospital – and, of course, to drum up excitement among their youngest supporters.
Scotland Team Captain, Andy Robertson said: “It was a privilege for us to visit the Royal Hospital for Children and see the dedicated work of the staff up close.
“We have a squad of players from different backgrounds, at different ages and stages, but the vast majority will have a personal story to tell about loved ones who have benefited from the care and expertise on offer from RHC or somewhere similar.
“It was impossible not to be moved by the kids we met, especially as the father of young children myself. They’re all facing into their own difficult, varied challenges but, in every case, their resilience shines through and it’s reassuring to know they’re being looked after as well as they are by hospital staff, and the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, who are doing everything they can for them.
“We are not short on motivation for the Euros, but it meant a lot to hear how excited they all are to watch the games and follow our progress. They won’t be far from our thoughts when we’re in Germany.”
The RHC and the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity work hard throughout the year to bring experiences to patients and their families that extend ‘further than the medicine’ – including visits like these.
Mandy Meechan, Chief Nurse at the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow explained: “We can’t believe how lucky we have been to have the Scotland team visit us today.
“We thank them from the bottom of our hearts for the smiles they created today, and we hope they take that energy and have great success in Germany. We pride ourselves on our person-centred care, and this visit has inspired hope, strength and tenacity in the kids and their families. It was just what we all needed”.
Kirsteen Watson from Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity added: “We are so grateful to the squad for visiting the children’s hospital today.
“The children felt like VIPs when they realised that the players had taken time away from the training pitch to pay them a special visit, and many have made memories that will last a lifetime.
“There was a sense of unity, hope and positivity during the visit, which can truly transform the hospital experience for children and young people. I’d like to thank our donors and volunteers who help to create moments like this all year round by supporting our hospital play programme.”
An evaluation will take place as part of making the case to the UK Government that major Scotland men’s and women’s national football team qualifier matches should be available for free-to-air broadcast.
The Scottish Government’s view is that national sporting events, such as Scotland’s men’s and women’s football qualifiers for the World Cup and European Championships, should be included in the list of matches protected for free-to-air broadcast to expand the opportunity for audiences to enjoy these games.
Scotland matches in major men’s and women’s tournaments are on the protected list, but qualifiers are not, and this consultation will examine the case to close that loophole. UEFA holds the rights to these matches and they are often sold to the highest bidder – regardless of whether that results in them being shown behind a paywall.
Any consultation would form part of broader analysis of the case for the expansion of the list of free-to-air games, alongside a consideration of the business case. The Scottish Government plans to publish further details on the consultation this summer.
First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “The Scottish Government is taking a further step towards making major Scotland international football matches available free-to-air, which would allow the whole country to get behind our national teams in important qualifying fixtures.
“Scots celebrated as our men’s national team charged their way on scintillating form into this year’s Euro Championships, and we’ll all be behind the women’s national team when their qualifiers get underway next month, but most Scots are blocked from watching the national team with the bulk of games shown on a pay-per-view basis.
“With so much at stake in qualifiers, our vision is for all fans to be able to watch their national teams as they battle to reach the world’s biggest competitions.
“With the full powers of independence, the Scottish Government would have the power to determine the list of events that should be available to broadcast free-to-air to reflect the interests of Scottish audiences, and enable broadcasters who have a public service remit to better meet these needs.
“But broadcasting policy is currently reserved to the UK Government, and only Westminster can add these matches being included in the so-called “crown jewels” of international sporting fixtures for free-to-air broadcast.
“With the UK Government refusing to act to resolve the situation for Scotland fans, the Scottish Government will launch a consultation on the issue to help progress the campaign to ensure Scotland international qualifying matches are on terrestrial TV.
“Further evaluation work will be taken forward to understand the implications such a decision would have for rights holders, including the SFA, before the Scottish Government’s case is brought forward to the UK Government.”
A LINLITHGOW referee has received the accolade of ‘Local Legend’ as part of Specsavers’ partnership with the Scottish FA.
With thousands of people giving up their time each week across the country to ensure their community can enjoy football, the Local Legends campaign aims to shine a light on the unsung heroes dedicated to grassroots football.
Cameron Stirling, from Linlithgow, has been recognised as a Local Legend for his dedication to refereeing and for promoting officiating to youngsters as a route for development within football.
At just 21, Cameron is a category three referee, balancing officiating Lowland League games with his studies at Edinburgh Napier University.
The business management and marketing student is also a Youth Referee Ambassador, starting out in refereeing at just 16, making the senior list at 17, and hopes to one day officiate a game in the Scottish Premiership.
Speaking upon receiving the award, Cameron said, ‘I’ve played football pretty much my whole life and just love the game.
‘It’s very nice to be recognised and I’m honoured to receive it, especially when the nomination came from my peers in the referees’ department.’
From Stranraer to Banks O’ Dee, Cameron has already travelled the length and breadth of the country as both a referee and a linesman.
His passion for the game comes from growing up playing football, but now hopes refereeing can provide him with a path to the top.
As part of his recognition, last November Cameron enjoyed a day out at Hampden Park to watch Scotland’s thrilling 3-3 draw with Norway in a UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying match, courtesy of Specsavers and the Scottish FA.
Cameron also received a signed Scotland top from Steve Clarke’s men’s national squad as a part of their accolade.
Specsavers’ Arlene Stephenson, Scottish Divisional Chair, says: ‘Specsavers is proud of our long tradition in backing Scottish referees, but our current partnership sees us going further than ever, helping to raise awareness of grassroots football across the country.
‘Our Local Legends campaign is all about shining a spotlight on those away from the glamour of the top divisions, but who work just as hard to ensure Scotland’s communities benefit from the beautiful game.
‘From managing their local teams and making sure the pitch is in top shape for matchday, to referees making sure everyone’s game goes ahead or even just fervently following your club for decades – these unsung heroes embody what football is all about.
‘We are delighted to celebrate Cameron’s contribution to both football and his profession as a referee, particularly for one so young.
‘In our eyes, he truly is a Local Legend.’
Specsavers announced in 2021 that it renewed its’ sponsorship deal with football referees in Scotland, marking more than 20 years of support – one of the longest agreements of its kind in sport.
The deal has seen the partnership continue into 2024, not only helping with the training and development of referees, but also helping to raise awareness of para football and grassroots football in Scotland.
Participants of Football Memories groups across Scotland will get the chance to hear from former referees as their whistle-stop tour, courtesy of Specsavers, kicks off.
The official sponsors of the Scottish FA match officials have facilitated for retired refs to speak to participants of Football Memories, a project which assists people living with memory loss conditions, including dementia and Alzheimer’s, as well as those experiencing loneliness and social isolation.
The tour will stop in at Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen, with ex-whistler Dougie Hope getting proceedings under way at Hampden Park on January 25.
Dougie refereed over 1,000 matches in Scotland, his last being Dundee United’s 1-0 victory over Rangers in the 1994 Scottish Cup Final, and will recount his career to the group at the national stadium.
Martin Clark will host Edinburgh participants in February, John Rowbotham will talk to the Dundee group in March, while the Aberdeen speaker is yet to be confirmed for April’s meeting.
Established in 2009, Football Memories Scotland is a charitable project run by the Scottish Football Museum in partnership with Alzheimer Scotland.
With 500 groups around the country, often hosted in football settings, Football Memories uses engaging football-themed resources stored in a memory box, such as reminiscence cards, life-size player cutouts, newspaper clippings and books, to stir memories and discussions led by volunteers.
Specsavers will sponsor the boxes for the referee tour and have helped to provide some exciting new contents for them such as old football boots, photographs of former referees and other memorabilia.
Long-term memories can be triggered for many through the visual cues of images, videos, artefacts and discussions taking place in a small group or even a one-to-one setting, unlocking precious happy moments from the past. The impact can be enormous.
Robert Craig, Chair of the Scottish Football Museum, says: ‘We are excited to get under way with the first activity in our new partnership with Specsavers.
‘Their support to the Football Memories project, which impacts the lives of all who touch it, is invaluable and helps us to continue to deliver for those living with memory loss conditions or experiencing isolation.
1994/1995 Referee Douglas Hope in action
Crawford Allan, Scottish FA Head of Referee Operations, says: ‘Football Memories is a fantastic initiative and one our roster of former referees will gladly support, as an extension of our existing partnership with Specsavers.
‘We are sure their stories and treasured memorabilia will spark many happy memories.’
Specsavers’ Arlene Stephenson, Scottish Divisional Chair, says: ‘Specsavers is proud of our long tradition in backing Scottish referees, but our latest sponsorship deal sees us going further than ever, helping to raise awareness of the vital work Football Memories does in assisting people living with memory loss conditions.
‘We can’t wait to hear what questions the referees are fielded on their tour of the country and learn about the impact for those attending the groups.’
Specsavers announced in 2021 that it renewed its’ sponsorship deal with football referees in Scotland, marking over 20 years of support – one of the longest agreements of its kind in sport.
The deal has seen the partnership continue into 2024, not only helping with the training and development of referees, but also helping to raise awareness of para football and grassroots football in Scotland.
As Euro 2024 approaches, excitement is building among UK football fans planning to visit Germany for the tournament. However, post-Brexit travel rules and potential additional costs are crucial considerations for UK travellers.
Travel experts from Football Ticket Pad, delve into the key aspects UK fans need to be aware of to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience:
Passport Validity and Visas
Since Brexit, UK passports must meet specific criteria for travel within the Schengen Area, including Germany:
Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of return.
Issue Date: Passports older than 10 years, even with validity remaining, might not be accepted.
For stays up to 90 days in a 180-day period, UK citizens do not require visas for tourism, including attending sports events. However, keep an eye on any changes in visa policy as the event draws closer.
ETIAS Requirement (Expected from 2024)
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is expected to be operational by 2024. UK citizens may need to apply for this pre-travel authorization, similar to the US ESTA system. The process involves a small fee and is completed online.
Health and Travel Insurance
With the UK no longer part of the EU, European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) issued in the UK are not valid. It’s vital to have comprehensive travel insurance that includes health coverage. Failure to have appropriate insurance might result in significant costs if medical care is needed.
Roaming Charges and Connectivity
Since Brexit, the guarantee of free roaming within the EU no longer applies to UK mobile users. Check with your provider for specific roaming policies and consider purchasing a local SIM card in Germany for cost-effective data and calls.
Driving in Germany
If you plan to drive:
International Driving Permit (IDP): Depending on the type of UK licence you have, you may need an IDP.
Vehicle Insurance: Ensure your vehicle insurance covers travel in Germany.
Emission Stickers: Some German cities require an emissions sticker to drive in certain areas.
Cultural Etiquette and Local Laws
Understanding local customs and laws can help avoid unintentional disrespect or fines:
Recycling Laws: Germany has strict recycling laws. Improper disposal of waste can result in fines.
Public Behaviour: Disorderly behaviour, especially in public spaces, is frowned upon and can attract penalties.
Managing Costs and Budgeting
Currency Exchange: Remember, Germany uses the Euro. Keep an eye on exchange rates and consider using travel cards to manage currency exchange fees.
Accommodation and Travel: Book NOW, to secure better rates. Consider alternative accommodations like hostels or Airbnb.
Final Tips for a Hassle-Free Experience
Emergency Numbers: Familiarise yourself with local emergency contacts. In Germany, 112 is the emergency number.
Language: While many Germans speak English, learning basic German phrases can enhance your experience.
Event Tickets and Local Transport: Ensure your event tickets are booked in advance and research local transport options.
James O’Leary, from Football Ticket Pad says: “While the post-Brexit era has brought changes to travelling from the UK to EU countries like Germany, with adequate preparation and awareness of the new rules and potential costs, UK fans can look forward to an exciting and memorable experience at Euro 2024.
“Remember, the key to a smooth trip lies in planning ahead and staying informed!”
As football fans across the city look forward to the Edinburgh Derby tonight on the 27th December, the four-legged residents of Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home have donned both teams’ colours. They don’t mind who you support, they would just love to watch by your side.
In 2023, Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home has seen a record number of requests to surrender pets or access support from their pet foodbanks.
Getting in the matchday spirit, Alfie a 4-year-old Domestic Shorthair cat, Copper a 7-month-old German Shorthaired Pointer, Peter a 12-year-old Lurcher, Lily and Daisy 1.5-year-old Jack Russel x Poodles, and finally Reggie and Ronnie a pair of 8-year-old Jack Russels, have been sporting the famous colours of both Edinburgh teams.
Lindsay Fyffe Jardine, CEO of the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, said: “We know how much football means to people across Scotland, ahead of the Edinburgh Derby we wanted to highlight that our residents who are looking for a new home, don’t care who you support, they just want to be by your side.
“This year we have seen a record number of surrender requests as well as a significant increase in the need for pet food bank support. Winter is especially difficult for us, and we are extremely grateful to anyone who can donate towards our winter appeal, or able to give a pet a loving home.”
The Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home finds winter an especially difficult season as higher costs drain funds while demand for their vital services increases.
They recently launched a Winter Appeal, seeking donations to enable the Home to cope with the increased demand, continue providing vital support to animals in need and help people to keep their beloved pets at home.
To make a donation and to read more of their life-altering stories please visit:
Lothian Labour MSP Sarah Boyack has expressed her deep disappointment in Edinburgh City FC’s decision to scrap their women’s team and their development teams.
This decision follows weeks of financial turbulence for the team.
Ms Boyack has expressed her dismay that the burden of stabilising the club’s finances has fallen on the Women’s Team.
It will be a huge blow on the drive to get women more represented in sport.
The team have indicated that they hoped this decision would be temporary but have provided no timeline for when the teams may be reinstated.
Commenting on the decision, Sarah Boyack said: “I am extremely disappointed by Edinburgh City FC’s decision to scrap their women and development team.
“I acknowledge the financial difficulties of the team but at a time when women’s football is finally getting the audience it deserves, to scrap the Women’s Team sends entirely the wrong message.
“We should be doing more to encourage women into football and sports more generally.
“Women’s’ teams represent the best opportunity to showcase the talented female footballers we have here in Scotland.
“If Edinburgh City FC are serious about this being a temporary decision, they need to lay out a clear timetable for when the Women’s and Development teams will be restored.”
The holidays may be about to start but our Christmas programme will ensure that there are activities available during the festive season, beginning with Fridays FooTea Christmas dinners!
Check the information and remember there’s food etc available each day!
