Rise of the 'schooligans': how a wave of antisocial behaviour threatens non-league football

Teenage ultras at non-league clubs are causing escalating antisocial behaviour, from pyro and brawls to weapon brandishing, prompting the UK Football Policing Unit to declare it a top priority.

A wave of disorder involving teenage supporters at English non-league football clubs has prompted serious concern from authorities and communities. The UK Football Policing Unit has declared antisocial behaviour its "most important" priority after incidents across the country involving youths as young as 10.

Recent examples include Hednesford Town's "schooligans" clashing with Chester fans, with one 16-year-old brandishing a blade during a taxi chase; Aldershot Town reporting brawls outside their ground in February; Enfield Town expressing concern about young fans at a Lewes fixture; and a Gloucester City supporter hit by a rock thrown by teenagers at Redditch United during an FA Trophy tie.

Hednesford's owner Craig Gwilt has described behaviour including pitch invasions, fighting, abuse toward players, missiles thrown at goalkeepers, and flares on the field. The club banned 20 young supporters in August and has since introduced measures requiring under-16s to be accompanied by adults, plus extra matchday security.

However, gangs of up to 50 youths now gather post-match away from stadiums, potentially saving their energy for away fixtures where trouble is more likely to occur.