Grassroots football reaching 'breaking point'

Grassroots football is at risk after damage from extreme heat in recent months led to the closure of some pitches, a football expert has said.

Taunton Town Council closed its sports pitches to "protect the long-term quality and sustainability of the facilities" and to help ensure player safety.

Paul Coltman, a football consultant who works with the affected clubs, said this would not only affect organised matches but also training and recreational football.

"We're already close to breaking point with more teams than we have pitches," he said. "Those pitches that are still usable will now have more games on them which means the knock-on effect is huge."

The pitches run by the council include Galmington Park, Hamilton Park, Priorswood Park, Taunton Green and Victoria Park.

"This is a huge impact on local football and a massive drain on an already shrinking volunteer base," Coltman said.

The council said the extended drought had weakened the grass cover and hardened the playing surfaces.

"Our inspections have indicated that continued use at this stage could cause significant damage to the pitches and affect their condition for the remainder of the season," a spokesperson for the council said.

"Whilst the pitches are showing signs of recovery, they remain under considerable stress and require additional time to recover fully before regular play resumes."

Coltman said the pitches were already in decline before the hot weather affected them further.

"This is a result of years of neglect and poor maintenance," he said.

"We're really lucky locally that we have wonderful clubs across grassroots football.

"Those clubs are now going to need to work together to find alternative venues.

"This isn't going to go away quickly by the sound of things."

The council spokesperson said the closure was not indefinite.

"The pitches are being inspected regularly and the situation is reviewed on a week-by-week basis," the spokesperson said.

"We are keen to reopen the facilities as soon as conditions allow and are working closely with clubs and leagues to keep them updated."

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