Tom Morrison MP Champions Grassroots Football and Cheadle Town in Commons Speech

Speaking in the House of Commons this week, Tom Morrison, Liberal Democrat MP for Cheadle, delivered a powerful speech on the importance of protecting football at all levels – from the Premier League to the grassroots pitches of Greater Manchester.

Tom began by celebrating a remarkable local achievement:

“I want to start by congratulating Cheadle Town Stingers, which yesterday confirmed second place in the Women’s National League Division One North—just missing out on promotion by goal difference in their first season at that level.”

He praised manager Dylan Wimbury and the team, adding:

“I have every confidence they’ll go one better next season.”

Tom then spoke movingly about how football shaped his own life:

“When I was seven, I’d rush through my Sunday lunch just to watch Liverpool legends like John Barnes and Ian Rush. That iconic red kit became my uniform in the park.”

Recalling the thrill of his first match—“like falling in love for the very first time”—Tom said that football has a unique power to bring people together and inspire entire communities.

But while football continues to be a cultural cornerstone, Tom warned that it faces growing threats:

“Poor ownership, financial mismanagement, attempts at breakaway super leagues, and rising matchday prices have increasingly shut out fans and damaged the integrity of our game.”

Tom welcomed the introduction of the Football Governance Bill, which will introduce an independent regulator to oversee the sport, but argued it doesn’t go far enough to protect the grassroots game.

“While this Bill is a step forward, it does little to support the lower tiers of football—the clubs who raise funds just to turn on the floodlights or cut the grass. We must do more.”

Citing the example of Cheadle Town—a community-run club that supports local schools, food banks and both men’s and women’s football equally—Tom called for stronger protections and funding for clubs that embed themselves in their communities.

“Clubs like Cheadle Town are everything the Football Governance Bill should protect.”

He also drew attention to the vast financial inequality across English football.

“In 2023, just 25 clubs received 92% of all football revenues. The remaining 67 Football League clubs shared just 8%—and that’s before we even talk about non-league.”

The rising cost of energy and lack of adequate facilities are placing unprecedented pressure on community clubs. In Stockport alone, five out of 18 grass pitches have no changing facilities—something that disproportionately affects women’s and disability teams.

Tom said he wanted to see more in the Bill to ensure top-tier clubs contribute fairly to the football pyramid and to make sure that no club is left behind, no matter what league they’re in.

Liberal Democrat Policy
Tom’s comments reflect the Liberal Democrats’ wider position on football reform. The party supports:

• A statutory, fully independent football regulator.
• Stronger fit-and-proper ownership tests, including human rights criteria.
• Fairer financial distribution to support lower league and community clubs.
• Equality, diversity and inclusion plans for all clubs.
• Better protection for fans and an expanded list of sporting events shown free-to-air.

As Tom concluded:

“Football is about community—and often represents the very best of our local spirit. Let’s protect it, not just in name, but in how we fund, govern and cherish the game.”

You can watch Tom's full speech below: