Grassroots Plus

Episode 32 - Ian Hughes

Ian Hughes, The United Counties League’s Facilities Director joins us. We talk about last weekend's matches and look forward to the upcoming weekend including playoffs. We also discuss ground grading, division sizes and other issues as well as how our local leagues are shaping up. 

Episode 31 - Ups and Downs

This week looks at the latest ups and downs and possible reprieves. Mick takes up fishing and Dave is looking for churches.We also invite you to get involved and ask for your nominations for the end of season awards.

Episode 30 - Easter Round Up

We look back at the Easter games and the permutations for promotion and relegations. We consider ground grading options for Step 4 and some of the stories that you may not have heard.

Episode 29 - John Pitts - Sittingbourne FC

John Pitts has been involved with grassroots football since the 1960’s, He has held multiple positions with Sittingbourne FC who he joined in the late 1990’s and helped steer through the trials of administration and getting the club back on an even keel.

Episode 27 - Lewis Thorogood

Lewis Thorogood talks about Pinchbeck United and his multiple roles at the club. He gives an insight into the work required at a Step Six Club who are currently ground sharing and looking to return to their home. 

Episode 26 - Round ups, Crowds and Ups and Downs

This podcast episode does what it says on the tin.

St Piran's Day

St Piran's Day
We round up the local results and the Vase - take a look at a few local leagues and county cups. It's all quiet on the restructure front but a few clubs are already confirming their play off places.

Episode 24 - Anthony Heppell

Anthony Heppell the Bourne Town media manager makes his return to talk about the Step 4 adventure so far, He confirms the stories about the gap between Step Five and Step 4 football, and some of the eyewatering figures involved. We look forward to the FA Vase quarter finals and some stories you may not have heard.

Episode 23 - The rain has stopped (sort of)

We take a look at Steps 4 5 6 & 7 locally and spare a thought for teams who have not played for weeks. The FA announced their plans for Step 6 but changes not expected until the end of 2027/28.Mick has a long moan and there are a few stories you may not have heard.

Episode 22 - Bhoomi Issrani

Bhoomi Issrani left the glamour and warmth of Dubai to study at Loughborough University, as part of her course She has taken a years’ placement at a step 5 club to work in Marketing & Business Operations which includes midweek trips across the East Midlands to stand on freezing cold touchlines to carry out her duties. We also look at last weekend's Vase and the draw for the next round.

Episode 21 - Lee Cook

Episode 21 
Lee Cook @ClowneCooky talks about coaching and managing clubs across North Notts and Derbys and Chesterfield Academy, He is currently working with Liam Kent and Ollerton Town in their rebuilding project. We look at Fixture congestion and at the movers and shakers in a few leagues. 

Episode 20 - Andy Porter

Andy Porter joins us to look at the IFAB proposals for changes to Laws of the game, and possible improvements they may bring. We have your bleak ground suggestions and a few stories you may not have heard.

Episode 19 - The Vase and joining the Pyramid

This week we take a look at the Vase and a few of the league games from Saturday. There is an update on clubs hoping to join the Pyramid, there are some odd stories from around Europe. This week’s question is, have you been on the wrong end of a shock result.   

Episode 18 - Gary Clarke

Gary Clarke joins us to recall watching football in the 70's and 80's with the Forest Executive Crew and the being part of the darker side of terrace culture. These days he can also be found at his local club Carlton Town, where he is Commercial and Marketing Manager having discovered the club during lock down, and has been recognised with an award.

Episode 17 - Welcome 2026

We welcome the New Year in with a mid term report on our local leagues. We review the pre Christmas FA Vase round and the fortunes of the UCL clubs. We have a few predictions regarding promotions and relegations at the end of the season. We also invite you to get involved with by telling us what you hoped to get for Christmas but didn't get. Plus a few stories you may not have heard.