The Football Association has introduced new safety standards for clubs operating within the National League system after a tragic incident involving former Arsenal academy forward Billy Vigar. Vigar, aged 21, suffered a fatal brain injury in September 2025 when he collided with a solid concrete barrier while attempting to keep a ball in play during a match for Chichester City against Wingate & Finchley. The accident highlighted the dangers posed by brick, breeze‑block and concrete walls that line many lower‑league pitches, prompting a comprehensive safety review.
In response, the FA has issued updated pitch‑perimeter criteria that expressly forbid the use of solid brick, breeze‑block or concrete barriers around playing surfaces for clubs competing in the men’s National League (steps 1‑6) and the Women’s National League (tiers 3‑4). Existing structures must be either removed as quickly as reasonably possible or, if removal is impractical due to structural considerations, covered with appropriate protective padding. The governing body emphasized that clubs have already been notified of these requirements and are expected to act promptly.
While the new rules take effect, matches may continue at venues that still have the prohibited barriers, but clubs are required to continuously assess the safety of their pitch perimeters. Where the safety review has recommended alterations, clubs must devise a realistic timetable to complete the work. The FA stressed that ongoing monitoring will be essential to ensure that the changes are implemented effectively and that player welfare remains the top priority.
According to the Press Association Sport, roughly 900 clubs compete at the relevant levels, and about 160 of them have already been contacted about specific stadium modifications that need to be made. To ease the financial burden on smaller clubs, the FA and the Premier League have pledged funding through the Premier League Stadium Fund.
This support will cover the costs associated with removing or padding the hazardous walls, and the FA confirmed that the first phase of the programme is already underway. The push for a safety overhaul was not new. The Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) had been urging the FA to act before Vigar’s death, citing a previous serious incident in 2022 when Bath City striker Alex Fletcher fell into a coma after a similar collision with a solid barrier.
In June 2023, the PFA, together with then‑Sports Minister Stuart Andrew, wrote to the FA, Premier League, English Football League and National League, requesting a proactive review of pitch‑perimeter safety across all tiers. Following the recent announcement, a PFA spokesperson reiterated the association’s concerns. They noted that after Vigar’s tragedy, the PFA had highlighted the lack of progress and leadership on the issue, describing the situation as unacceptable.
The spokesperson explained that the PFA had participated in working groups set up by the FA after the incident, advocating for an amendment to the Stadium Accreditation criteria to ban solid walls outright. The spokesperson welcomed the FA’s decision to revise the regulations, but warned that the real test now lies in the swift removal of existing barriers and the provision of adequate mitigation measures during the transition period. The new regulations represent a significant shift in how lower‑league clubs must think about stadium safety. Historically, many non‑league grounds were built with inexpensive, sturdy materials such as brick and concrete because they were readily available and required minimal maintenance.
However, the inherent risk these structures pose when a player is driven into them at speed is now undeniable. By mandating the removal or padding of these barriers, the FA aims to reduce the likelihood of severe injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries, which have become a growing concern across all levels of football. Implementation will involve several practical steps.
First, clubs will need to conduct a thorough audit of their pitch perimeters to identify any prohibited barriers. This audit should be documented and submitted to the FA as part of the compliance process.
Second, clubs must source appropriate padding materials—typically high‑density foam or shock‑absorbing panels—that meet the FA’s specifications for impact mitigation. Third, where removal is not feasible due to the structural integrity of the stadium, clubs must install the padding in a manner that fully covers the hard surface, ensuring there are no exposed edges that could still cause injury.
Financial assistance from the Premier League Stadium Fund will be allocated based on need, with priority given to clubs that demonstrate the greatest risk. The FA has set up a dedicated liaison team to help clubs navigate the application process, submit necessary documentation, and schedule the work. This collaborative approach is intended to prevent smaller clubs from being left behind due to budget constraints. Beyond the immediate safety benefits, the new rules may also have broader implications for the fan experience and stadium aesthetics.
Replacing stark concrete walls with padded, possibly even visually appealing barriers could enhance the overall atmosphere of non‑league grounds, making them more welcoming for supporters. Moreover, the initiative aligns with the wider football community’s increasing focus on player welfare, mental health, and the long‑term effects of head injuries. In summary, the FA’s updated pitch‑perimeter guidelines are a direct response to the tragic death of Billy Vigar and reflect a growing consensus that player safety cannot be compromised for cost or tradition.
Clubs across the National League and Women’s National League are now required to eliminate or adequately protect solid brick, breeze‑block and concrete walls surrounding their pitches. With financial backing from the Premier League Stadium Fund and a clear implementation timeline, the footballing authorities aim to ensure that these safety measures are adopted swiftly and uniformly.
The PFA’s continued advocacy underscores the importance of vigilant oversight and ongoing support for clubs during this transition, reinforcing the principle that the health and safety of players must always come first.