The Impact of Euros 2020 on Grassroots Football and Pitchbooking

Iconic Tournaments That Inspire Generations

Any football fan can recall the first major international tournament they remember. For the founders at Pitchbooking, it’s France 98. David Beckham's kick-out at Diego Simeone, Ronaldo’s shocking omission from the Brazil team, and Zidane's two goals to seal a home victory all stand out.

For readers, depending on age, it could be anything from Pele bursting onto the scene as a 17-year-old in Sweden 1958 to Spain’s golden era of three back-to-back victories at Euro 2008, World Cup 2010, and Euro 2012.

Euros 2020: A Tournament of Highs and Lows

Looking back at Euros 2020 (played in 2021), the tournament provided unforgettable moments. From the upsetting footage of Christian Eriksen’s cardiac arrest to Switzerland’s stunning comeback against France in the Round of 16, the tournament had it all. Group F’s dramatic final minutes also kept fans on the edge of their seats.

In the UK, interest in football peaked during Euros 2020:

England’s semi-final match against Denmark attracted over 25 million viewers.
The final against Italy brought in over 40 million viewers—almost two-thirds of the population.

Investment in Grassroots Football

With national interest at an all-time high, government bodies and sport authorities have been eager to capitalize on this momentum.

An additional £25m in funding has been pledged as part of a £600m investment into sport over the past 12 months. This funding aims to improve facilities and encourage participation at the grassroots level.

FA Chief Executive on Grassroots Impact

Mark Bullingham, FA Chief Executive, highlighted the importance of this investment:

“Grassroots football has the power to positively impact the lives of those that play, with the clubs sitting at the very heart of their communities.”

“The recent £25m investment into grassroots football from the Government, the first part of their £550m commitment, is welcomed and will transform football facilities across the country.”

Scotland’s Boost in Football Engagement

The timing of Euros 2020 was also significant for Scotland. Speaking before the tournament, Sir Alex Ferguson noted:

“You can see and feel the impact of Scotland qualifying for the Euros. It’s the boost we all needed after dealing with the pandemic.”

Programmes like ‘Play Your Game’ and ‘Fun Football’ by the Scottish FA and FAW Trust demonstrate how community groups and even toddlers (as young as 18 months) can get involved.

How Euros 2020 Inspired Pitchbooking’s Partners

At Pitchbooking, the impact of Euros 2020 has been undeniable.

Our partners are attracting more bookings than ever before. On average, we’ve seen a 36% increase in bookings compared to 2019.

A Surge in Local Engagement

To put this into perspective:

Thousands of additional bookings have been made.
Tens of thousands of people are now actively participating in local football.

This surge highlights the power of accessible sports facilities. At Pitchbooking, we are committed to removing barriers to community and amateur sport. By allowing users to easily search for, book, and pay for facilities online, we make it simple for communities to stay active.

Supporting Providers and Building Communities

This success is a credit to the dedicated facilities and providers we work with. By leveraging our platform and tools, providers can:

Manage bookings seamlessly.
Convert Euros 2020-inspired players into regular block bookers.

In turn, this fosters long-lasting relationships and builds stronger community engagement through grassroots football.

FAQs

How did Euros 2020 impact grassroots football in the UK?

The tournament ignited a national interest in football, leading to increased participation and significant investment into grassroots facilities, including an additional £25m in government funding.

How can I find and book local football pitches?

With Pitchbooking, you can search for and book facilities online quickly and easily, whether for one-off games or regular block bookings.

What was Pitchbooking’s role in the post-Euros 2020 football surge?

Pitchbooking’s partners experienced a 36% increase in bookings compared to pre-2019 levels. Our platform simplifies the booking process, helping facilities connect with their communities.

The Wrap Up

The legacy of Euros 2020 continues to shape grassroots football. By bridging the gap between passionate players and local facilities, Pitchbooking supports both providers and participants. Together, we can build on this enthusiasm to create stronger, healthier communities through sport.