Hackney Marshes has always been more than just a set of football pitches — it’s a lifeline. For decades, it has been the beating heart of grassroots football in London, giving thousands of people, especially young men, the chance to belong, grow, and escape the pressures of everyday life. Now, proposed new parking charges at the Marshes car park threaten to unravel all of that.
As someone running a Community Interest Company (CIC) which is a grassroots football team, I can tell you firsthand how damaging this would be. Our work isn’t just about football — it’s about using sport to steer young men away from crime, to support mental health, and to give people purpose.
