What is the cost of living crisis and why is it impacting non-league football

The cost of living crisis has seen energy and fuel prices soar, leaving millions of people up and down the UK facing tough decisions on where to cut expenses to get through the winter.

Like many of those feeling the pinch, non-league football clubs are feeling the same and this short audio documentary will explore how non-league football is looking to survive through the winter.

From the cost of turning on the floodlights, as winter’s dark days loom, to covering the cost of travelling to away games - there are many issues that football clubs are facing.

Since 2021 electricity has increased by 65% and whilst price caps were brought in for households, local businesses will have no cap on their energy bills this winter. Fuel prices have also soared with the average price to top up at the pumps increasing by £13 from October 2021 to October 2022.

Not only are there the increased running costs though, getting people through the turnstiles is also set to be a difficult task as many people look to cut back on spending, with many fearing a trip to the local football club and visits to the club’s bars and food stalls taking a hit.

This documentary will explore how non-league football is seeking to survive the winter as yet more financial instability looms in the months ahead.

Privett Park, Gosport Borough FC | Photo by Andy Jones