Premiership football returns this week, reigniting excitement nationwide. Will Manchester City secure a fifth consecutive title, or will Arsenal rise to the challenge?

The upcoming months promise thrilling matchups and intense drama...

Let's also wish Alex Revell and his Stevenage FC squad good luck this season. Come on ‘Boro!

England's football talent, showcased in the Euros, largely emerges from small, community clubs (known as ‘grassroot clubs’) like Ridgeway Rovers, Stourbridge Juniors, and Failsworth Dynamos.

Stars such as Kane, Bellingham, and Mainoo were discovered, nurtured, and developed in this setting.

Each player fondly recalls the fun and encouragement they experienced while playing organised soccer in local parks.

An experience which helped spark their footballing journey. However, grassroots soccer now faces a crisis that threatens the sport's very foundations. And perhaps the future of our national team!

Amateur soccer suffers from a severe shortage of volunteers. Without support, many local clubs would struggle to function, leading to cancelled fixtures, teams folding, and fewer opportunities for young players.

This crisis is exacerbated by increased demands on current volunteers, rising operational costs, and the lingering effects of the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis.

The shortage also affects the quality of play, with fewer qualified coaches and referees, further weakening grassroots football.

Would you consider volunteering with your local club?

Grassroots soccer offers a chance to make a real difference in your community while nurturing a love for the sport, regardless of your age.

As the Hertfordshire FA states: "From secretaries and coaches to line markers and tea makers, local clubs need volunteers to keep running.

"Many of these roles require specific skills, such as a treasurer or groundsperson, rather than in-depth football knowledge."

Sport connects us to our community, and volunteering is the key to making that connection. Visit www.hertfordshirefa.com to explore volunteer opportunities at your local club.

To volunteer, register at www.govolherts.org.uk, the home of volunteering in Hertfordshire. Sports clubs, please ensure your volunteer needs are listed there too.

Recently, North Herts & Stevenage CVS together with GoVolHerts and Herts Sport and Physical Activity Partnership (HSP) launched an initiative whereby HSP cover the cost of the first year of CVS membership for all sports and physical activity clubs in North Herts and Stevenage.

Whether your club needs funding advice, governance support, help recruiting volunteers, or simply a trusted advisor during challenging times, the CVS can help ensure your club’s success.

For more details, visit www.nhcvs.org.uk/about-us/blog or call the CVS team at 01462 689400.

Finally, on September 26, the CVS will host a Volunteering Summit at Stevenage FC for all community groups, including sports clubs. For details and registration, visit the ‘Events’ page at www.nhcvs.org.uk.

No matter your team, enjoy the new season!