Well, film-maker Greg Cruttwell decided to seek the answers and the result is ‘In The Middle’, which launched in cinemas on Friday.
The documentary follows a diverse group of match officials over the course of the Covid-curtailed 2019-20 season as they attempt to cope with the rigours of running grassroots matches.
Cruttwell is well positioned to explore the subject. He founded Balham Blazers youth football club in 2001. It started with an under-tens team in which one of his children played and has since come on in leaps and bounds.
Now Balham FC, the club play at Step 5 in the Combined Counties League Premier Division South.
The In The Middle director and producer said: “I ran the club for 21 years and in doing that I’ve coached at thousands of games. One of the fascinating things was seeing the people in the middle.
“I met so many interesting people, but I didn’t really get a deep look into their lives. In grassroots football, it’s such an eclectic bunch of people.
Denne historien er fra April 02, 2023-utgaven av The Non-League Football Paper.
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Denne historien er fra April 02, 2023-utgaven av The Non-League Football Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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BISH BASH BOSH! IT'S LINING UP FOR LEWIS
DAVE Lewis believes Bashley are yet to ‘reach their ceiling’.
REBELS YELL FOR GREAT CAUSE
FOOTBALL shirts specially designed by Worthing FC Supporters Association and local artists Two Faced Twins have been such a hit they’ve been able to hand over a sizeable cheque.
FLEET IN BOSS HUNT...AGAIN!
STRUGGLING Ebbsfleet United are searching for their third manager of the season after Harry Watling left Stonebridge Road after just 90 days in charge.
TOP TALENT HAD 'MAGIC AT HIS FEET'
TRIBUTES have been paid for a talented 17-year-old with ‘magic at his feet’ who passed away after collapsing on the pitch.
ALPORT GO ON THE ATTACK TO SEAL PLACE IN LAST 32!
ALL out attack eventually delivered a warranted win for Whitchurch – despite living dangerously late on.
BRILLIANT BECKWITH INSPIRES LEADERS
GOALKEEPER Charlie Beckwith made the difference as his clean sheet and a goal from Cemel Ramadan saw Bury Town take all three points at Chadfields yesterday afternoon.
OWLS WIN KEY CLASH IN BATTLE FOR TITLE
LEAGUE leaders Cleethorpes claimed an important win over second-placed Emley to move four points clear at the summit of the East Division.
BARDS DO THE HARD YARDS IN BIG WIN
THERE was not much to warm Stamford’s fans as the Daniels were beaten by a good Stratford side.
FREDDIE TREBLE TEES UP LATE WIN
FREDDIE PARKER scored his second hat-trick of the season as Cray Valley came from behind to win in what was a great advert for Non-League football.
TIGERS & LIONS IN A TASTY SCRAP!
PLAY-OFF contenders Hyde United and Guiseley had to settle for a share of the spoils after a hard-fought encounter.
