Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Local Sports Teams: Covid-19 Support

Wednesday 18 November 2020 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister had discussions with Welsh Rugby Union and the Football Association of Wales regarding financial support for local teams during the covid-19 outbreak.
  • Rob Roberts highlighted that Flint Town United needs only 15% to 20% of their ground capacity to cover costs and survive.
  • Tonia Antoniazzi questioned about assurances for prioritizing international women's sport during the pandemic.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Rob Roberts
Wales Culture, Media & Sport
Context

Discussions with the sporting community regarding financial assistance needed by local teams during the pandemic.

Question

What discussions has he had with the sporting community in Wales on financial support for local teams during the covid-19 outbreak?

Answer from Simon Hart

I have had constructive discussions with representative bodies, including Welsh Rugby Union and the Football Association of Wales. These discussions will prove instrumental in allowing teams to get back on the pitch.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide concrete financial support details or commitments

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Q2 Rob Roberts
Wales
Context

A local football club in the constituency needs only a small percentage of its ground capacity to cover costs and maintain operations during the pandemic.

Question

On a recent trip to Flint Town United in my constituency, who were successfully promoted to the Welsh premier league last year, the chairman was telling me that they need only 15% to 20% of their ground capacity to be allowed in to watch matches in order to cover costs and keep their heads above water. They have done a lot to enable a small number of supporters to return in a covid-secure way. Does my right hon. Friend agree that getting supporters back into grounds in a safe and secure way is the best way to make sure that we do not lose clubs in Wales, which provide vital recreation services for all ages and act as a focal point for the local community?

Answer from Simon Hart

My hon. Friend makes a very good point and I absolutely agree with him. This is also a good moment to congratulate, I think, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney on their recent purchase of Wrexham football club. What an exciting future they have, no doubt. My hon. Friend's point is a good one. Of course we want to see a successful vaccination programme and a successful testing programme—that will help in his ambitions—but some funding from the National Lottery and from the Welsh Government will also ease the way to returns to stadiums, and complete capacity stadiums, of the sort that he wishes.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to specific actions or timelines for supporter return at reduced capacity

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Q3 Tonia Antoniazzi Lab Gower
Culture, Media & Sport Women & Equalities
Context

A decision was made to cancel remaining games of the women's rugby Six Nations 2020 due to the impact of coronavirus, raising concerns about the parity and prioritization between men's and women's sports.

Question

On 10 November, the difficult decision was taken to cancel the remaining games of the women's rugby Six Nations 2020, due to the impact of coronavirus. While we live in unprecedented times, what assurances can the Secretary of State give that international women's sport will be given the same priority as men's, and what message does he think the decision gives to women's and girls' sport in Wales?

Answer from Simon Hart

The hon. Lady is probably the only person in the Chamber who has represented a sport at national and international level, so I take her question very seriously in that regard. Of course, there should be no disparity between the sports that she refers to. I am absolutely with her and link arms with her in our determination to make sure that that is the case and that we get back to sport of all different sorts as soon as possible, as safely as possible. We will work with her and others to make sure that that is the case.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide concrete assurances or commitments regarding women's sports priority

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Q4 James Davies Con
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

Despite matches being played again, they are behind closed doors with no matchday income.

Question

Although football matches are being played again, it is behind closed doors and with no associated matchday income. Will my right hon. Friend encourage Sport Wales and the Football Association of Wales to work together to ensure that clubs such as Rhyl in my constituency receive the support that they need at this really difficult time?

Answer from Simon Hart

It would be remiss of me not to give a substantial name-check to Rhyl, having given one to Wrexham—that would seem unfair. I agree with my hon. Friend's position and the basis of his question. National league funding in England has come up with significant funds, which should be replicated in Wales. We will certainly do anything we can to get money channelled into the sport to see it through this difficult time.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to specific actions or timelines for funding and support

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