Grassroots
Grassroots A once regular participant of amateur football, photographer Michael Morgan sets out to capture the zealous spirit and passion intrinsic to the UK’s grassroots football community (all football that is non-professional and non-elite). No longer able to play competitively, Morgan’s latest photo series - Grassroots – sees him document this world, literally exploring the heritage and community of football, offering a behind the scenes insight into the culture of the game. In recent years, a national funding crisis has seen community football struggle in the face of limited finances and facilities and, as a result, opportunities for young people to play football locally are severely diminished. Despite these limitations, football has, since the Industrial Revolution been finely woven into the very fabric of community life and many up and down the country give up their time in order to keep this tradition alive, providing a sense of purpose, passion, camaraderie and an outlet of expression away from everyday life. While Morgan started documenting grassroots football in his home county of Norfolk, recently the young photographer’s focus shifted towards the east end of London, primarily that of Hackney Marshes. This new chapter of the project opens up ideas of diversity and equality in light of several high-profile professional players – such as Raheem Sterling – speaking out about key societal issues such as mental health and racism. Michael Morgan