The Grass Roots Football Show has claimed a 25 per cent rise in attendance at this year’s Birmingham show.
 
The sixth annual exhibition at The NEC from 25 to 27 May attracted almost 15,000 attendees, up from 12,000 reported last year (unaudited). A major highlight was its seminar and master class programme with former Premier League managers and players including Robbie Savage, Phil Brown, Lee Carsley and Dean Holdsworth.
 
Another first this year was a Football Association (FA) showcase, which stemmed from a new partnership struck earlier this year. The Grass Roots Football Show was supported by all 72 Football League Trust clubs.
 
“Despite the economic uncertainty, the event continues to expand and being able to deliver the same level of exhibitors as in 2012 was a significant achievement,” director Joanna Burns said. “The continued success of the show will depend in part upon our ability to grow our exhibitor base and this will be one of the major focuses as we look forward to 2013.”
 
Burns cited a growing appetite and enthusiasm across the football family to drive improvement in all aspects of the grass roots game as integral to the event’s ongoing success.
 
“The show offers a great platform for exhibitors and sponsors alike and allows them to connect directly with a growing audience of football fans,” she added.
 
Dates and the venue for the 2013 have not yet been confirmed.
 
The Grass Roots Football live exhibition was sold by VCM Events to a group of international football consultants in December 2010.
 
Pictured: Former Premier League manager Phil Brown was a coach at this year’s show.
 
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