Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Multi-sport Grassroots Facilities

Thursday 22 February 2024 · 5 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 4 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government committed over 325 million to multi-sport grassroots sites across the UK.
  • National sports strategy aims to get 3.5 million people more active, focusing on women and girls.
  • Government invested around 1 billion in sport for young people, including 300 million for multi-sport pitches.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Peter Aldous Con
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

MP inquired about the progress on implementing multi-sport grassroots facilities.

Question

What recent progress has been made on implementing her Department's multi-sport grassroots facilities programme? The development of multi-sport grassroots facilities often faces barriers preventing other sports authorities from participating, leading to obstacles for projects. What steps are being taken to remove these barriers and promote collaboration between different sports?

Answer from Lucy Frazer

The Government have committed over £325 million to multi-sport grassroots sites across the UK. 40% of projects need to benefit a sport other than football, such as cricket or rugby. The Football Foundation and Sport England work closely with national governing bodies to encourage development of multi-sport projects and promote collaboration between clubs at local level.

Answered
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Q2 Peter Aldous Con
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

MP asked about the implementation of gender inclusivity measures in sports programmes.

Question

Over 1 million girls lose interest in sports when they become teenagers, mainly due to lack of confidence and feeling judged. How has the Department included gender in the implementation of the multi-sport grassroots facilities programme?

Answer from Lucy Frazer

We have a national sports strategy aiming to get 3.5 million people more active, with focus on women and girls who are less active than boys and men. A national taskforce brings together all relevant Departments and national governing bodies to ensure more women and girls involved in sport.

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Q3 Wera Hobhouse Lib Dem Bath
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

MP from Darwen inquired about the role of grassroots sports in levelling up communities.

Question

Does the Secretary of State accept that grassroots sports can play a hugely important part in levelling up? As part of Darwen's £120 million town deal, we have invested in our football club, cricket club and skate park. Will she talk with the Secretary of State for Levelling Up to see what part her Department can play in ensuring sport enriches cultural lives?

Answer from Lucy Frazer

My right hon. Friend is a huge champion for his area and the north generally. He is absolutely right that sport, drama, creativity level up an area. I am very happy to talk to my right hon. Friend in the Levelling Up Department to consider how we can continue across Government to support the north.

Not addressed: Specific role of her department in levelling-up through sports

How: My Right Hon. Friend Is A Huge Champion For His Area And The North Generally.

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Q4 Jake Berry Con
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

MP from Honiton inquired about support for local sports clubs under the multi-sport grassroots facilities programme.

Question

I have visited sports clubs in Honiton, including youth rugby, gymnastics and football. They are seeking support on basis of East Devon District Council's 2017 sports pitch strategy. The Government's multi-sport grassroots facilities programme is welcome but does it provide enough for youth sport?

Answer from Lucy Frazer

Our strategy helps sport across board, with focus on getting young people involved. We have invested around £1 billion in sport for young people including £300 million for multi-sport pitches and £600 million in schools to ensure more children get required two hours of physical education.

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Q5 Richard Foord Lib Dem Honiton and Sidmouth
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

MP inquired about the progress on implementing multi-sport grassroots facilities.

Question

The development of multi-sport grassroots facilities is often led by one sport, facing obstacles to getting other sports authorities to participate. What steps are being taken to remove barriers and promote collaboration between different sports?

Answer from Lucy Frazer

40% of Government's investment in grassroots facilities needs to clearly benefit a sport other than football, such as cricket or rugby. The Football Foundation and Sport England work closely with national governing bodies to encourage multi-sport projects and promote collaboration between clubs at local level.

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