Billy legacy as FA ban concrete perimeters

By Tom Blackett

MEMORY: Chichester City’s tribute to Billy Vigar, right

The Football Association are banning concrete barriers around pitches from this season – and clubs will be able to access grants to make the changes.

FA chiefs are introducing new pitch perimeter barrier rules for Non-League clubs following its review into ground safety across the National League System.

The updated Stadium Accreditation Criteria for the 2026-27 season means solid brick, breeze block and concrete barriers around pitches will no longer be permitted at Steps 1-6.

Existing barriers must be removed “as soon as reasonably practicable”, or covered with suitable protection if they cannot be removed for structural reasons.

The FA confirmed clubs affected have been informed and will be required to take action as part of the updated regulations.

The review was prompted by the tragic passing of Billy Vigar, who died after suffering a significant brain injury following a collision with a perimeter wall while playing for Chichester City against Wingate & Finchley.

In a statement, the FA said: “We have undertaken a review of pitch perimeter walls across the National League System and Women’s National League to identify what improvements can be made to our Stadium Accreditation Criteria that will help clubs mitigate potential safety risks at their grounds and stadiums.

“As a result of this ongoing phased review, which has been conducted by independent Health and Safety experts, we have updated our Stadium Accreditation Criteria for the 2026-27 season.

“This includes introducing revised criteria relating to pitch perimeter barriers, which no longer permits solid brick, breeze block or concrete barriers around pitches across the National League System for men (Steps 1-6) and the Women’s National League (Tiers 3-4).

“Any existing solid brick, breeze block or concrete barriers must be removed as soon as reasonably practicable, or covered with suitable protection if they cannot be removed for structural reasons.

“We have informed the clubs at this level that will be required to take action as a result of these changes.”

Support will also be available to clubs as they carry out the required changes, with the FA and Premier League providing funding through the Premier League Stadium Fund.

The statement continued: “Matches may continue to be played at affected grounds during this period; however, clubs should assess the safety of their pitch perimeter barriers on an ongoing basis, and where alterations to these structures have been recommended during this review, they should develop a plan to complete any such alterations within a reasonable timeframe.

“To support this important work, The FA and the Premier League will provide funding to facilitate these changes, which will be administered by the Premier League Stadium Fund.

“The initial phase of the programme is already underway, and we will continue to provide full support to the clubs involved in this process.”

Meanwhile, Chichester have revealed new kits in tribute to Vigar. With angel wings set inside a heart that signifies BV, it has been designed in conjunction with Joma and supporter, and graphic designer, Declan McGreal.

Billy’s father Keith said: “Since Billy was taken from us, the family that is Chichester City has been nothing short of amazing in supporting our family and honouring Billy. The design of these beautiful new Joma shirts is another fitting example of keeping Billy’s memory alive.”