During the summer of 2025, rising pitch hire costs became a growing concern for amateur clubs across the west of Scotland.

While the issue had been discussed privately for some time, it came into sharper focus when Plains AFC released a public statement outlining the financial pressures they — and many similar clubs — were facing at the time.

Their comments reflected a wider conversation happening across the amateur game, particularly around the cost of accessing council-run 11-a-side astroturf pitches during evening “peak time” slots.

Plains AFC Statement (July 2025)

Plains AFC said they were becoming increasingly concerned about the sustainability of local pitch pricing, particularly for volunteer-run clubs operating on tight budgets.

At the time, the club highlighted that hiring a council-run 11-a-side astroturf pitch during weekday evening peak hours was costing £280 for a two-hour slot. Alongside this, the club noted an additional £360 monthly direct debit for training lets.

Taken together, Plains AFC estimated that monthly pitch hire costs alone could reach £800–£1,000, before factoring in referees, league fees, kits, travel, and other day-to-day running expenses.

The club stressed that these costs were being absorbed by committees, volunteers, and players, with little room to offset further increases without placing additional strain on those involved.

A Shared Concern Across the Amateur Game

While the statement came from Plains AFC, the issues raised were not unique to one club.

Many amateur teams operate without external funding, relying instead on player subscriptions, small sponsorships, and volunteer support to stay active. For those clubs, access to affordable training and match facilities is a central part of remaining viable.

Plains AFC said their intention was to highlight what they felt was becoming an unsustainable position for clubs operating at this level, particularly those based in areas where alternatives to council facilities are limited.

Why It Still Matters

Looking back, the statement captured a moment when concerns about facilities, costs, and access were becoming harder to ignore.

Since then, discussions around pitch availability and pricing have continued across amateur football, with clubs regularly balancing participation, affordability, and long-term sustainability.

The issues raised in 2025 remain part of an ongoing conversation — one that sits at the heart of how Saturday morning football is supported and maintained.