Maidstone Invicta Primary League

⚽ GRASS PITCH USAGE DURING DROUGHT ☀️🌱

Following the prolonged dry weather, the Maidstone Invicta Primary League would like to share the latest guidance regarding the use of grass pitches during drought conditions.

Importantly, there is NO blanket suspension of football on dry or brown grass pitches. A pitch being brown or dormant does not automatically mean it is unsafe or unplayable — each playing surface needs to be assessed individually.

Before training or matches, clubs should pay particular attention to:

⚠️ Surface hardness
⚠️ Significant cracks or uneven ground
⚠️ Bare or heavily worn areas, particularly goalmouths
⚠️ Any other areas that could present an increased risk to players

Clubs should check pitches early, work closely with their groundskeeper or pitch provider and communicate any concerns as soon as possible. Where appropriate, alternative pitches or fixture arrangements should be considered.

👨‍⚖️ On matchday, where a referee is appointed, the referee retains responsibility for deciding whether the field of play is suitable for the match. The decision should be based on the actual condition of the surface and player safety — not simply how brown or dry the pitch looks.

Our priority is simple: keep children playing football safely wherever possible, while protecting our grass pitches during these exceptional conditions.

Please swipe through our guidance and share it with your managers, coaches, grounds teams and match officials.

⚽ POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR UPDATE | 2026–27 ⚽

England Football has announced a series of measures designed to promote positive behaviour and create a safer, more respectful and enjoyable grassroots environment for everyone.

The updates include:

🔵 Tougher sanctions for discrimination
🔵 New Respect marks for players, coaches and spectators
🔵 The national introduction of cooling-off periods
🔵 Continued use of the Captains Only protocol
🔵 Additional protection for under-18 referees
🔵 Recognition of positive behaviour through Positivity Champions
🔵 Two national Silent Support Weekends

Please take a few moments to read through the slides and familiarise yourself with the changes.

Every player, coach, official and spectator has a part to play.

Love Football. Protect The Game.

ProtectTheGame YouthFootball KentFootball

⚽ Join the Maidstone Invicta Primary League Committee

Make a Difference in Grassroots Youth Football

The Maidstone Invicta Primary League (MIPL) is looking to recruit a number of enthusiastic and committed volunteers to join our Committee and help support the continued growth and success of one of Kent’s largest youth football leagues.

With nearly 300 teams participating across our competitions, the League relies on dedicated volunteers to ensure football remains enjoyable, affordable, safe and well organised for all participants.

We are currently seeking volunteers for the following key positions:

📝 League Secretary

A central administration role responsible for coordinating League activities, managing communications with clubs and the Kent FA, supporting meetings and helping oversee the smooth running of the League.

💷 League Treasurer

Responsible for the financial management of the League, including subscriptions, fines, budgeting, reporting and maintaining accurate financial records.

🏆 Trophies & Awards Secretary

Coordinate the ordering, distribution and presentation of trophies, medals and awards throughout the season, including festivals and cup finals.

⚖️ Discipline Secretary

Manage disciplinary matters on behalf of the League, liaising with clubs and the Kent FA to help ensure League Rules and FA Regulations are applied fairly and consistently.

🛡️ Welfare Officer

Support safeguarding and welfare initiatives across the League, working with Club Welfare Officers and the Kent FA to promote best practice and a safe environment for all young players.

What We’re Looking For

- A passion for grassroots football.
- Good organisational and communication skills.
- A willingness to support local youth football.
- Team players who can contribute positively to the Committee.
- Previous experience is welcome but not essential.
Why Volunteer?

Play a key role in one of Kent’s leading youth football leagues.
Interested?