Scratch of the day: local football season postponed due to ‘rock hard’ pitches
Summary
A local amateur football league in Norfolk and Suffolk has postponed the start of its 2026/27 season until the end of August because the pitches are too dry and hard to play on safely. This decision follows a record drought and heatwave that have made the ground unsafe and caused injuries during pre-season matches.Key Facts
- The Anglian Combination League has 85 amateur teams in Norfolk and Suffolk.
- The 2026/27 football season was delayed until August 29 due to unsafe "rock hard" pitches.
- Pre-season friendly games were canceled or caused many injuries because of dry conditions.
- July was the driest and hottest month since records began in 1836.
- A drought was declared in half of England, with hosepipe bans in place including in Norfolk and Suffolk.
- Some sports clubs and private schools have exemptions from hosepipe bans.
- The Met Office predicts another heatwave with temperatures up to 36°C in the region next week.
- The FA does not track how many other leagues have postponed seasons because of the drought.
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