SAPCA welcomes the publication of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee’s Game On: Community and School Sport report, which makes a series of recommendations to government with the aim of strengthening grassroots sport and physical activity.
Among the recommendations made in the wide-ranging report is for the UK government to double its investment in sport and physical activity, in order to gain the full benefits of a physically active nation.
The report identifies the importance of modern, sustainable and well-designed sports facilities and the impact they have on getting the nation active.
“Ageing infrastructure, higher operating costs, and reduced access lead to facility closures, lost participation and increased pressure on health and social care budgets,” the report states.
“Investing in sport, by creating a more active population, will eventually lead to significant savings, particularly in the health and welfare budgets.”
Welcoming the report, SAPCA CEO, Richard Shaw, said: “The Committee’s Game On report is a timely and welcome intervention that recognises the fundamental role high-quality facilities play in getting more people active. As the UK’s trade body for sports and play construction, SAPCA strongly supports the call for a long-term, cross-government strategy backed by sustained investment and clear accountability.
“In particular, the recommendation to increase Government investment in sport and recreation by nearly £4 billion over the next decade is a significant and positive step. Bringing the UK closer to international benchmarks would not only address ageing infrastructure, but also unlock substantial returns in public health, community wellbeing and economic growth.
“We are also encouraged by the recognition of the planning system’s importance, including the call to maintain Sport England’s role as a statutory consultee. This is vital to ensuring that sport and physical activity are properly embedded and protected in development decisions.
“Delivering accessible, durable and high-quality facilities requires expertise, standards and collaboration across the sector. SAPCA and its members stand ready to support Government and partners in turning these recommendations into lasting, impactful change on the ground.”