The 💩State of Grassroots Football

On the surface, it’s a funny topic. But there is nothing funny about 💩on the literal surface that our Non-League correspondent, Ben Farrow-Stevenson, runs his local youth team.

As you can see in the photo above, Ben’s team, Stoke Mandeville are constantly subjected to dog 💩 almost every time they train or play.

It’s a subject that has been bought up at every council meeting and club boarding meeting since the inception of park football.

Everyone has stepped in it. Some people have fallen in it. But, the reality is, nobody has done anything about.

Ben took to social media last weekend to express his opinion on the state of the local pitch after one incident too many.

Ben rightly pointed out that it’s not just unsightly but it’s a massive health hazard for younger footballers and spectators.

Changing The 💩State of Grassroots Football

Rather than a simple moan and a frustrated tweet, Ben has been pushing the agenda all week, lobbying for repercussions and commitment from local councils and the general public.

The parish council is allegedly planning CCTV in conjunction with Aylesbury Vale District Council’s dog warden and Thames Valley Police.

Today, Ben’s story was picked up by a local radio station, Mix 96, who invited him for an interview.

Listen to his views in the clip below.

You can read the full Mix 96 article below.

Dog fouling affecting Aylesbury junior football team

“We are coming across anything between 5–10 pieces of dog excrement which is just not acceptable.

I have to turn up extra early every week to ensure it is safe for the children, dispose of any dog waste, antibacterial spray, and dispose of it in the dog bins.

It’s not very nice and it's not a safe environment for kids from the age of 6–15. It’s not comfortable and it seems to be a growing problem.”

According to Keep Britain Tidy, anyone who fails to clear up after their dog can be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice of up to £100. If the case goes to court this could cost the owner or person in charge of the animal up to £1,000. The law states that being unaware a dog has fouled or not having a suitable bag is not a reasonable excuse.

In reality, this deterrent is not strong enough to stop dog owners from turning a blind eye.

According to Get Surrey, more than 800 dog poo incidents reported in that county alone. And they suggest a “high” prosecution rate.

Contradictory news is reported by the BBC.

According to their figures, there were 73,824 complaints about dog mess in 2014–15 — but 103 councils did not issue any fixed penalties.

This is the real cause of the 💩state of grassroots football.

The 💩State of Grassroots Football

The 💩state of grassroots football isn’t limited to Eskdale Road and the Aylesbury area.

As a goalkeeper that dropped down from paid football to pay-to-play football, it became apparent that my job description including poo patrol in the penalty box and its surroundings.

It’s hard enough tying your laces with goalkeeper gloves on, let alone acting as dog warden.

As Ben points out, it’s not just that not enough is done about this ongoing issue.

Nothing is done about this ongoing issue.

Mix 96 is a starting point but we need to air this to a larger audience.

So how can you help?

1. Share this post on your Facebook.
2. Share this post on your Twitter. If you tag us, we’ll help promote.
3. Send this post to your football team’s WhatsApp group.
4. 👏 Clap this post to amplify the reach of the post.
5. Next time you see a dog owner leave their 💩behind, calmly remind them that your son/daughter/nephew/niece/friend is about to play football in that exact spot.

🏃#FoulingNotFouling🐕

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