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Jan 264 min read

Unravelling the Storm: Impact of Extreme Weather on UK Football

Updated: Mar 1

Ian C Jones

Berkshire UK • 07469018888 ian@newgatetrading.co.uk  • LinkedIn


We recall Storm Babet, an intense extratropical cyclone, made a lasting impact on England and Scotland in 2023. The aftermath of the storm included widespread disruption, destruction, and even loss of life. Heavy rainfall led to extensive flooding, prompting citizens to evacuate, and causing damage to hundreds of homes. Key transport hubs, such as London’s King’s Cross Railway Station, were compelled to close due to the disruption to travel.


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The UK has seen a huge number of storms hit in 2024 already with the likes of Jocelyn, Isha and Henk bringing disruption and delays throughout much of January. And now with a snow bomb reportedly en route for February, it seems the weather is set to cause more chaos for the early part of the year impacting both life and sport.


Review of Storm Babet: A Case Study Into the Impact of Extreme Weather on UK Football

Closure of Key Transport Hubs

The closure of crucial transport hubs aggravated the chaos, with overcrowding becoming a significant concern. The situation prompted Scottish Justice Secretary Angela Constance to emphasise that Storm Babet underscored the immediacy of the climate change crisis. It served as a stark reminder that the impacts of climate change are not a distant future threat but a crisis affecting communities now.




 

Impact on British Football

The reverberations of Storm Babet extended to British football, with disruptions and postponements rippling through England’s League Two and National League tables. In the Championship, Rotherham’s game against Ipswich was abandoned just hours before kick-off due to safety concerns. The decision disappointed fans, particularly those who had travelled nearly 200 miles to support their team.


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Scottish Football: A Saturday Standstill

The top-flight fixtures of Scottish football on Saturday, 21st October, 2023, were severely affected, with only two matches able to proceed. The disruptions trickled down to lower-tier leagues, prompting Calum Beattie, Chief Operating Officer of the Scottish Professional Football League, to assert that such decisions are never taken lightly. The league had to prioritize safety after consultations with emergency services.

 

Insights from the Scottish Professional Football League

Calum Beattie's insights shed light on the challenges faced by football clubs. He noted that decisions to postpone matches are made in consultation with emergency services, emphasising the responsibility of ensuring the safety of players and fans. The economic toll on clubs, such as Stenhousemuir FC, is substantial, with postponed home fixtures costing around £10k in actual spend and an additional £5-10k in lost earnings at the revised fixture if it is midweek.

 

Challenges Faced by Clubs

Iain McMenemy, Chairman of Stenhousemuir FC, provided a firsthand account of the impact of fixture postponements. The costs incurred, including unrecoverable expenses for catered food and lost earnings from hospitality bookings, highlight the financial strain on smaller clubs. McMenemy also noted the broader impact on community programs, including training cancellations due to poor weather conditions.

 

Future Trends in Football

McMenemy raised concerns about the evolving trends in football, suggesting that extreme events like named storms may become more frequent. The unpredictability of weather, characterised by increased rainfall and wind, poses challenges for maintaining playable conditions, even on artificial surfaces. This has broader implications for the sustainability of football programs and facilities, especially those catering to youth and community initiatives.




 

Fan Challenges During Storm Babet

While some matches in the English Premier League and Championship proceeded during Storm Babet, fans faced insurmountable challenges in reaching the stadiums. Flooded roads and railway tracks caused cancellations across the UK’s transport network, leaving fans stranded and football terraces nearly empty. The impact on the fan experience raises questions about the resilience of the footballing calendar and the ability to accommodate unforeseen disruptions.

 

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Fixture Schedule Woes

Many of the matches postponed during Storm Babet are yet to be rescheduled, adding pressure to an already bloated fixture schedule. The backlog of matches not only affects players' physical well-being but also tests the patience and commitment of fans. Rescheduling decisions become critical in ensuring fair competition and maintaining the integrity of the leagues affected.

 

Insights for the Future of UK Football

The destruction and disruption caused by Storm Babet provide a glimpse into the potential challenges that UK football may face in the future. As extreme weather events become more frequent and severe, it becomes imperative to address the interdependencies between a flourishing football ecosystem, transport infrastructure, and emergency services.

 

 

Conclusion

The impact of Storm Babet on UK football serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of the sport to the changing climate. As the nation grapples with an increasing frequency of extreme weather events, football clubs, fans, and governing bodies must collaborate to develop resilient strategies. The future of UK football relies on adapting to the challenges posed by climate change, ensuring the beautiful game remains accessible and sustainable for generations to come.

 

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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Are storms becoming more frequent in the UK?

The recent surge in storms in 2024 has raised concerns, but climate scientists argue that assessing trends requires a more extended timeframe.


How are storms named?

Storms are named through a collaborative effort by meteorological organisations, with names chosen from predetermined lists.


What measures can football clubs take to mitigate weather-related disruptions?

Clubs can invest in drainage systems, climate-resilient facilities, and collaborate with local authorities for proactive decision-making.


Is climate change solely responsible for extreme weather events impacting football?

While climate change plays a role, localised factors and natural climate variability also contribute to the severity of weather events.


How can fans stay informed about match cancellations and rescheduling during extreme weather?

Official club and league communication channels, as well as weather updates, provide the most accurate information for fans.


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