Bournemouth Poppies Coach Says Player Commitment Has Declined Since the Pandemic

Non-league football coach John McKay believes player commitment has fallen significantly since the Coronavirus pandemic.

McKay, who also works as Bournemouth Poppies’ social media manager, has been involved in non-league football since 1989 and has witnessed the attitude of the players evolve over the decades.

“The levels of commitment these days are very low,” he said.

These comments follow the Poppies’ first win in 20 games, a much-needed victory over Portland on Tuesday.

The club still faces a tough relegation battle; therefore, these concerns are unlikely to surprise fans.

McKay attributes the drop in commitment to the changing interests of young men, driven by modern technology.

“There are now multiple avenues that act as alternatives and distractions to football,” he said, citing gaming as a common example.

McKay contrasted this with the earlier days of his coaching career, when football was often a player’s main commitment outside of work: “In the past, playing football was the priority. These days, there are plenty of ways to socialise or spend your time instead.”

McKay argues that the COVID-19 pandemic did not just cause financial hardship, but also fundamentally shifted players’ priorities.

“Not being able to train or play meant people found other things to do,” he explained. “By the time lockdown ended, they had developed new routines. Some discovered hobbies, others spent more time with family. It’s understandable that some never fully came back.”

The COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating impact on non-league football in the UK.

Around 2,600 clubs folded, and a further 8,000 remain at risk of closure.

These concerns are echoed by Poppies goalkeeper coach Martin Pidgey, who said one of the toughest aspects of non-league coaching is “the personal sacrifice involved, particularly giving up time with family.”

McKay, a respected figure in local football circles, also voiced wider concerns about the health of grassroots football in the region.

“Dorset has shut down its Sunday League entirely,” he said. “The Bournemouth leagues have been roughly halved. This isn’t just a Poppies issue, it’s happening across the board.”

As clubs like Bournemouth Poppies fight to survive on and off the pitch, the question remains whether local football can adapt and rebuild in an era where player commitment is no longer a given