OXTED, UK, June 25, 2026 – New research has highlighted the growing financial pressure facing grassroots sports clubs across the UK, with many unable to provide complete team kits and some warning that rising costs are threatening their future. As major international tournaments are expected to inspire more young people to take up sport, organisers say financial barriers are making it increasingly difficult to support participation.
A survey of 112 grassroots sports administrators conducted by Kit Funder, the not-for-profit platform that links community teams with business-backed funding, found that two-thirds of clubs do not have a complete matching kit for every team they operate. Nearly three-quarters (74%) said kit costs restrict what their club can achieve, with 38% describing the impact as significant.
Among clubs lacking a full set of kit, some rely on outdated or mismatched strips, while others can only provide kit for selected teams. Several organisers reported delaying subscription increases despite mounting costs, although many say they may soon be left with little alternative. One respondent commented: “We are trying to avoid charging parents more in a cost-of-living crisis, but we may not have much choice.”
The research also found that 64% of clubs already operate girls’ or women’s teams, with participation increasing at almost three-quarters of those organisations. Despite that growth, access to suitable kit remains a challenge. One coach said girls at their club are sharing kit originally designed for boys and are unhappy with the fit. Another organiser reported that their girls’ under-15 team is still using shirts from several seasons ago, adding: “Cost is a massive issue and we struggle to find sponsorship.”
Scott Taylor, U11 Manager at Chipstead FC, said: “The cost of living is tough at the moment and paying for a football kit is another cost that hits hard. It often means players wearing hand-me-downs or previous seasons’ kits. I want all my players wearing a kit that fits and that makes them feel part of the team.”
The findings come as 96% of organisers believe the World Cup helps drive participation at grassroots level, while 45% are planning activities during the tournament period, including watch parties and themed coaching sessions.
Kit Funder works to address the issue by connecting sports teams and community groups with local businesses willing to fund co-branded kit. Registration is free, and the organisation has partnered with My Club Group, which supplies more than 11,000 teams across Europe, to manufacture and deliver kits tailored to the players who wear them.
As a not-for-profit organisation, Kit Funder also donates 5% of every invoice to a local mental health charity, currently Clockwork.
Verena von Treskow-Buchmann, Head of Kit Funder, said: “Grassroots clubs are doing more with less every season. Kit is one cost too many, and it lands hardest on the teams forming now, including girls playing in shirts cut for the boys. We match clubs with local businesses who fund kit made to fit, so cost is not the reason a child sits out.”
Teams seeking funded kit, and businesses interested in supporting local sport, can register free of charge at kitfunder.ai.
