Scratch of the day: local football season postponed due to ‘rock hard’ pitches
The Anglian Combination League in England has postponed the start of its football season due to record-breaking heat and drought. The dry conditions have left pitches 'rock hard,' creating significant safety risks for players.
Why it matters
This illustrates the tangible, localized impacts of climate change on community sports and infrastructure.
Dried-out football pitches can be found across all England after high temperatures and no rain. Photograph: Andrew Matthews/PA Dried-out football pitches can be found across all England after high temperatures and no rain. Photograph: Andrew Matthews/PA Drought Scratch of the day: local football season postponed due to ‘rock hard’ pitches Drought and record heat have forced the Norfolk and Suffolk league to move kick-off to the end of August as the ground is deemed too dangerous to play on
Prefer the Guardian on Google This summer’s record drought has forced a football league to delay the start of its season because “rock hard” pitches are a danger to its players.
The 2026/27 season in the Anglian Combination League of 85 amateur teams in Norfolk and Suffolk was due to start next weekend.
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