'Our club was living on a week-to-week basis'

""The cost of everything has gone up so much in the last few years and we are now in a really lucky position that we do have the backing of Millwall.""

""It was expensive to rent the pitch, which was poor quality. Having to find a referee that you've got to pay for, even supplying kits and footballs. It is too much without adequate funding.""

Grassroots football clubs in London generate over £1 billion annually and engage approximately 70,000 players but struggle financially. A survey reveals that 70% of clubs face financial difficulties, exacerbated by rising costs for pitches, referees, and gear. Millwall Romans FC, an LGBTQ+ inclusive team, illustrates this struggle, having relied on player contributions until partnering with Millwall Community Trust in 2020, which provided them with better resources and facilities. The club trains twice a week and actively engages with the community, highlighting the importance of grassroots teams in local social value and cohesion.

Read at www.bbc.com