Non-league football clubs across the West Midlands are joining forces to confront an escalating wave of antisocial behaviour from teenagers in and around their stadiums. A string of disturbing incidents—ranging from stones being hurled at visiting supporters to an opposition kit man being assaulted—has prompted several teams to overhaul their admission policies, with multiple grounds now barring under-16s unless they are accompanied by a responsible adult.
In Warwickshire, clubs have been forced to act following disorder connected to their fixtures. Stratford Town chairman Jed McCrory revealed that groups of up to 50 youths wearing black balaclavas and masks have travelled into the area despite supporting neither side, prompting the club to restrict under-16 entry to accompanied youngsters or members of their Junior Bards supporters club. Elsewhere in the county, Leamington FC had police monitor fan conduct following incidents at two away matches, while Racing Club Warwick chairman Gary Vella confirmed extra security has been deployed to handle unaffiliated young people gathering on matchdays.
The issue has also severely impacted clubs in Worcestershire. Redditch United chairman David Faulkner warned that non-league teams are being “ambushed” by large, social media-fuelled groups from outside the local area, revealing that potential security and camera upgrades could cost £100,000—equivalent to the club’s entire season of gate receipts. At Alvechurch FC, chairman Richard Thorndike expressed embarrassment and outrage after a teenager invaded the pitch and allegedly punched Spalding’s kit man following an FA Cup fixture, an event followed by the intimidation of a father and his 10-year-old daughter outside the venue.
Law enforcement and football authorities are now intervening to manage the crisis. West Mercia Police confirmed officers have carried out more than 50 antisocial behaviour prevention visits involving parents and guardians, while Warwickshire Police are coordinating extra staffing and patrols alongside partner forces. Meanwhile, the Football Association stated it is actively collaborating with National League System stakeholders to help teams establish safety frameworks that protect spectators, volunteers, and genuine young supporters alike.