Caolan Gavin

CLUB STATEMENT Grassroots Football Under Threat – Local Pitch Prices Now Completely Unsustainable Plains Amateur Football Club is speaking out on behalf of ourselves and the wider grassroots football community in North Lanarkshire. We are deeply concerned — and frankly outraged — by the latest astronomical price hikes for hiring local council-run 11-a-side astroturf pitches during so-called "peak times" (Monday to Thursday evenings). The cost for a two-hour slot now stands at a staggering £280. 📌 Add in our £360 monthly direct debit for training lets, and teams like ours are now facing monthly pitch hire costs of £800–£1000. That’s before you even factor in referees, league fees, kits, transport, and all the unseen volunteer work that keeps clubs running. This is simply not sustainable for any grassroots football team — especially not those based in working-class communities like ours. ⚠️ Decisions Made by Those Detached From Reality These pricing decisions are being made by directors and senior officials who have no connection to grassroots sport, no engagement with local clubs, and absolutely no understanding of the financial pressures facing community-run teams. Once again, we’re seeing people on large public salaries — completely alien to working-class life — impose policies that will cripple community sport. This is not just bad governance — it's sheer greed. They expect premium payments for facilities that, in many cases, are poorly maintained, outdated, and neglected. 🏴 A Pattern of Disrespect Toward Working-Class Sport Let’s call it what it is: another example of the working class being priced out of spaces we built, sustained, and gave meaning to. Grassroots football isn’t just a game. It’s a lifeline — for young people, for mental health, for social bonds, for building strong communities. These decisions risk destroying that, all in the name of squeezing a few extra pounds from the very people they should be supporting. 🤝 Time to Stand Together We’re not staying silent and we don’t expect other clubs to either. 💬 We invite and encourage any local teams, coaches, committee members, or supporters who share our concerns to get in touch and stand with us. The more united our voice, the harder it is for those in power to ignore. Plains Amateur Football Club. #ScottishFootball #GrassrootsScotland #SupportScottishClubs #ScottishGame #ScotlandFootball