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September 2022 - Sport, Leisure and Tourism

Almost all the football clubs polled in Fair Game survey say they are concerned about the cost of living crisis: A survey of 40 of the nation's lower league clubs – including 12 EFL teams -- has revealed that almost all are 'concerned' or 'very concerned' about the cost of living crisis.

The Fair Game survey revealed that around two-thirds (68%) of the clubs polled wanted additional financial support from the Premier League, while more than half (53%) asked for state intervention. 

The research found that when ranking the level of concern felt about the cost of living crisis out of 10 the average score was 7.15, and was even higher amongst the six League Two teams polled (8.20)

The results of the survey highlighted some of the actions that clubs were considering taking due to the cost of living crisis. Six in 10 clubs polled said they were exploring the idea of halting ground improvements, while almost four in 20 (38%) said they would look at cutting their non-playing staff budget. 

Sixty-three percent said that they would consider lunch-time kick-offs for weekend league games, while half said they would look at lunchtime game starts for FA Cup ties. 

Just a quarter of the clubs polled said they would consider slashing player wages -- most of which were outside the top four tiers. 

Part of the survey also asked clubs about how they might be willing to help the wider community, with two-thirds (68%) saying they would welcome vulnerable people affected by the cost of living crisis into their stadiums to keep warm, which increased to 89% of Fair Game member clubs (20 of which completed the survey). 

The research also revealed insight into the future plans of clubs concerning energy usage, with 57% of Fair Game clubs (mainly those outside the EFL) looking to learn more about a joint deal to supply renewable energy

Niall Couper, CEO of Fair Game, said: “The results paint a very bleak future for football outside the top echelons of the game. Having survived the pandemic, the cost-of-living crisis could well be the death knell for the hard-working community clubs lower down the pyramid."

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