Grassroots Plus

Episode 21 - Nick Labbate

Nick Labbate joins us to talk about his time as a player and manager at Steps 5 to 7. He looks at the difficulties each raise, and recalls some of the managers he played under starting in men's football at 15 years old. Nick recalls his favourite ground plus his greatest sporting moment as he steps back from the sharp end of the game. He looks to the future as he helps players find clubs. We look forward to the Vase and have a few stories you might have missed.

Episode 20 - Robin Bourne - Happy Christmas

Robin Bourne joins us for the last podcast of the year. He reflects on almost a half century in local football, officiating at games including a game at Wembley, serving as chairperson in a local Football Association, his pride when his son was appointed to the Football League list. We look at a few Christmas games past, last weekend's Vase and look forward to a few festive fixtures. A big thank you to our sponsor for 2024 Gusto Homes, all our guests, listeners and contributors over the last year.
Happy Christmas and see you next year.

Episode 19 - Steve Penny

Steve Penny is an author of many non league football books, has been programme editor for several clubs as well as sports writer and editor with several newspapers and as a freelancer, His current book is raising money for The Offside Trust an organisation committed to supporting survivors of sexual abuse and working to make sport safer for children.
links:
Latest news on Facebook – ‘Steve Penny Media’Email steve@stevepennymedia.co.uk 
On the drag – the football grounds of Suffolk – available on Amazon from January 2 and already on eBay £19.95. Also bookshops in Beccles, Diss and Halesworth.Direct from me at £18 – mention Grassroots Plus – via email for payment details.
Pilgrims’ Patch – the football grounds of Lincolnshire (with Martyn Girdham) – Amazon £19.95Direct from me £18, as above.
Island Hopping – the football grounds of Lanzarote – Amazon £15.99 Direct from me £13, as above.
Tarts, Trams & Tuk Tuks – Amazon and eBay £7.50Direct from me £6, as above
Soap Stars and Burst Bubbles – Amazon £11.24 (£9.99 ebook)
Towering Tales & a Ripping Yarn – Amazon £12.24 (£9.99)
The Mont – Amazon £16Direct from me £12
The Totty Cup – Amazon £26Direct from me £20
Wath Wonders – due out Christmas 2025

Episode 18 - Anthony Heppell

A long-time supporter and head of media at Bourne Town, Anthony Heppell joins us to talk about his role at the club. We look at the prospects of the existing team as they look forward to a tie in the FA Vase. We also look at the new developments at Abbey Lawns with regard to the club's future plans and sustainability. We look at the winners and the losers while Mick spots a club badge he likes.

Episode 17 - Max Bailey

This week's guest in Max Bailey from Emma's Ground Guide, With the season roughly at the half way point we look at how teams have progressed so far in the United Counties North and Division 1, Lincs League, Central Midlands Alliance and the Nottinghamshire Senior League. We discuss the popularity of the Vase and the FA Trophy. We also have a local lookout, the winners and losers as well as the stories you may have missed.

Episode 16 - Last Minute Fixture change

A fixture change as this week's guest gets a late call in to work.We look back at last weekend's UCL Premier North games and a ban in Bridlington. We have the local lookout, winners and losers and The FA's National League System Stadium Accreditation documents for 2024-25. Uncle Albert visits Hampshire and a few stories you may not have heard.

Episode 15 - A look back at the Vase

A slight change of plan this week,We look back at the Vase that sees the UCL best represented league left in the competition. We have the local lookout, winners and losers and the next season allocation predictions have started already. Uncle Albert visits Merseyside and a few stories you may not have heard.

Episode 14 - Tony Joynes

A member of Bourne Town's record breaking Class of '91, playing for The Wakes for 12 years. Having played and managed in Grassroots football Tony is now involved with Newark Town's men's side who are enjoying their highest ever level of pyramid football. We look back to a cold winter of postponements as well as this weekend's upcoming Vase games. A quick trip to the Isle of Wight and a few stories you may have missed.

Episode 13 - Adam Flint - Cotgrave FC

Cotgrave FC
Adam Flint, Vice Chairman, Adult Club Secretary and First Team Coach talks about a club at the heart of their community, plans for the future, ambitions on and off the pitch with 37 teams across the club attracting local players who play for the love of the game and three figure attendances. We look at another Yorkshire league, the non league manager merry-go-round and a few odd stories you may not have heard. 

Episode 12 - Gav Rice

Gav Rice returns, we look at his Park Run bug, sport in Schools and the new innovations at Step 7 such as body cams and disciplinary points system. Gav also talks about a law he'd like to see changed. We review last week's Vase activity, a North Yorkshire League with a team of medics and dentists, David v Goliath in Northern Ireland plus the winners and losers. We catch up on Mick's favourite team but mysteriously run out of time to mention a New Forest win in Cornwall. 

Episode 11 - The Vase Weekend Approaches

This week we look at the stories outside the pyramid, and a comprehensive look at this weekend's Vase games and a peek at the draw for the FA Cup First round proper. We update the winners and losers, visit North Riding and discover a UEFA competition we had not heard of, and International football's longest losing streak changes hands twice.

Craig Embleton - Ollerton Town

Craig Embleton - Ollerton Town. followed the club since childhood having gone with his Grandad, helped Liam out with the media whilst he was at uni. Joined the committee whilst still in school & became secretary 7 years. We look at a new start after a torrid few years and the way forward. We make a trip to North Yorkshire and round up the news you may have missed. Plus info on how to vote in the Non League Bible Awards.

Podcast 9 - And then there were two

Just Mick and Dave this week, A UCL Premier North round up, some bizarre postponements and a few derby names. We discuss a new disciplinary points system in the feeder leagues as well as teams promoted and relegated out of the UCL. We look at the Leicestershire Senior league and some of the news you may have missed around the country.

Episode 8 - Dean Williams - Powerchair Football

Dean Williams returns as he celebrates his first year as chairperson of the Wheelchair Football Association. We look at his role and the important work of the WFA within Powerchair Football. We also discuss disability sport and inclusivity. Dean also reflects on being able to watch grassroots football as a fan rather than being involved in the day to day running of a club, we also talk about the importance of sustainable financial planning at clubs.
You can find more info here:@The_WFA  - XThe Wheelchair Football Association - FBthe_wfa - Instagramhttps://thewfa.org.ukhttps://m.youtube.com/@TheWFA

Episode 7 - Bartley Ramsey - Irish Football

Bartley Ramsey, Long time Finn Harps supporter and club historian joins us. He explains the differences between the League of Ireland and The Irish league, we look at the European conference league, and following Harps across Ireland, How the game competes with Rugby and GAA Sports. We review the forth coming Vase and have your answers to last week's big question.