School Sport Facilities: Reopening

Opened the debate

MP Ben Bradley highlighted the importance of sport in physical and mental health, academic achievement, and social development. He emphasised that schools should open their sports facilities to communities and mentioned examples such as Manor Academy in Mansfield Woodhouse closing its sports centre post-covid due to financial constraints. He advocated for a shift in prioritising community sports services within organisations and called on the Government to offer upfront support while ensuring schemes become self-sustaining long-term.

Government Response

Minister Claire Coutinho acknowledged the importance of sport in children's wellbeing and emphasised that schools play a critical role. She mentioned the Government's investment of £230 million between 2022-2025 to improve community sports facilities. The holiday activities and food programme, funded at £200 million annually, also supports physical activity outside school terms. Since October 2019, schools received £11.7 million for making best use of their sports facilities beyond the core day. Phase 3 of the Opening School Facilities programme will provide up to £57 million over three years to support evening and weekend access to facilities. The Minister thanked MP Ben Bradley for his passionate advocacy on this issue.