Grassroots and Non-league Football 2024-10-17
2024-10-17
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from the need to address issues faced by grassroots and non-league football clubs, such as infrastructure limitations.
What steps she is taking to support grassroots and non-league football. I recently visited Knaresborough Town AFC in my constituency where the pitch often gets waterlogged due to weather conditions and there's a lack of 3G pitches in the area. Will the Minister meet me to discuss how we can do more to support Knaresborough Town?
I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for his question and I would be delighted to meet him ahead of that meeting, I will ask my officials to link him up with the Football Foundation which supports grassroots communities to get new pitches.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific request for a pitch was not addressed directly
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The question is prompted by the situation of Blyth Spartans FC, a well-known non-league club in the UK facing sale due to lack of transparency from its chairman.
Blyth Spartans in my constituency are up for sale, and the current chairman has failed to deliver on promises. Does my hon. Friend agree that non-league football clubs are at the heart of communities and that engagement with supporters is critical to their survival?
I am incredibly grateful to my hon. Friend for his question, and I completely agree that non-league football clubs are at the heart of communities and fan involvement is critical to their survival.
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Assessment & feedback
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Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The question is raised in light of the growing number of women's teams and a campaign by Lewes FC for equal prize money across men's and women's FA cups.
Cheltenham Town Women have a thriving team, with junior and adult sections. Sadly, one place above them in the table this season are Lewes FC running the 'Equal FA Cup' campaign. Does the Minister agree that it is time for equality of prize money across the men's and women's FA cups?
I am incredibly grateful to the hon. Gentleman for asking such an important question. The Government are fully committed to supporting women's sport, ensuring it is on an equal footing with men's sport. We will pay close attention to steps taken by the Football Association last season to double the prize fund for the women's FA cup.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific agreement or commitment regarding equal prize money was not explicitly stated
Response accuracy