I’ve been lucky. Really lucky. I’ve worn the shirt for a Premier League team and even pulled on the kit for my country. It was a dream come true, no doubt. But before the bright lights and the packed stadiums, there was something else, something that built the foundation for everything: grassroots football.
It’s where it all started for me. Kicking a ball around on muddy pitches, the sheer joy of the game, and learning the basics. It developed my passion, instilled the drive in me. What I learnt about football in those days took me all the way. Grassroots is where you find that raw, unfiltered love for the beautiful game. It’s the very foundation of the sport, and let’s not forget, it’s where the vast majority of professional footballers get their start in life.
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That’s why I’m still so passionate about it now. I’m currently working as an advocate for academy footballers, trying to make sure they’ve got the support and the safety net they need. Professional football is a tough world. These young footballers need to be looked after. We need to make sure they’re not just seen as potential assets, but as people with dreams and aspirations.
While all the focus is often on first-team football, the Premier League, and international tournaments, it’s absolutely crucial that we don’t lose sight of grassroots. It’s easy to get caught up in the glitz and glamour of it all, but we’ve got to remember where it all begins.
The values we instill in young players at the grassroots level – the teamwork, the discipline, the sheer enjoyment of playing – those are the things that stay with them, whether they make it to the top or not.
There should be a through-line, a consistent approach, from the youngest age groups right up to the professional level. We need to make sure that everyone, regardless of background or perceived ability, is given the chance to express themselves on the pitch, to develop their skills, and to simply enjoy the game.
Grassroots football isn’t just about finding the next superstar. It’s about building communities, fostering a love of sport, and giving young people a chance to shine. And that’s something worth fighting for. So next time you see a game down your local park, remember that could be the start of something incredible, not just for the players, but for the whole community.
The Sportz Planet Exclusive,
Paddy Gamble
Former Goalkeeper
Nottingham Forest
