CONCERNS have been voiced about a decline in the number of council-owned football pitches.

Newly-released figures show a drop – locally, regionally and nationally – over the past 14 years.

The data – obtained through a Freedom of Information request – shows that in the Bradford district, there were 105 council-owned or operated football pitches in 2009-10.

But by 2022-23, that total had fallen to 90.

Across the whole of the UK, there are now over 800 fewer public pitches than there were in 2009-10.

In Yorkshire and the Humber, there were 471 pitches in 2022-23 – a loss of 192 in 14 years.

The worst-hit part of the UK was Scotland, which lost 258 pitches during that period.

Other areas to have experienced the biggest drops were all in northern England and Wales.

The GMB union submitted the Freedom of Information request, and 176 councils responded.

Responses were highlighted at the GMB’s annual conference in Bournemouth, just before the start of the European football championships, which are currently underway in Germany.

The union warns that council cuts could “crush grassroots football”.

Speaking at the conference, union secretary Rachel Harrison said: “Before a ball had even been kicked at the Euros, the next generation of footballers had already lost.

"Losing almost 1,000 council football pitches could crush grassroots football in the UK."

The Local Government Association – which represents councils in England and Wales – says accessible sports facilities are important for public health, but that financial pressures are forcing councils to make unpopular choices.

"Councils face a £6.2 billion gap over the next two years just to keep their services at current levels," said an association spokesperson.

"This means that difficult decisions have to be made when given the choice of funding statutory services such as social care or non-statutory services like sports.

"Councils are aware that residents expect a broad range of services when they pay tax, however they are increasingly faced with the almost impossible task of trying to make limited budgets stretch to cover the full range of services that they have traditionally provided in the past."

The association has called on whoever forms the next Government to invest in services that "help to prevent ill health", such as football pitches, leisure centres and cultural venues.

"We offer a range of programmes and tools to help councils take advantage of opportunities for sport," the spokesperson added.