Remove 3pm TV Blackout to Boost Girls' Participation in Football

Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, Chair of the Culture, Media, Sport Select Committee, emphasizes that numerous barriers hinder young girls in England from participating in sports. To address this, she advocates for the elimination of the 3pm TV blackout for women's football, citing its potential to inspire and motivate girls to engage in physical activity. The CMS Committee's Game On report highlights a mixed picture of community and school sports in meeting the needs of the English population, with particular obstacles facing school-age girls. The committee recommends removing restrictions on broadcasting women's football during the 3pm Saturday slot, as evidence suggests that broadcasting women's sports encourages girls to be more active. Currently, legislation prohibits the live broadcast of football matches kicking off at 3pm on Saturdays in the UK, a rule that has been in place for 50 years. The committee also urges the government to pass legislation requiring councils and housing associations to remove 'No Ball Games' signs from public spaces, aiming to reclaim these areas for recreational activities. Dame Caroline notes that despite the nation's love for sports, many barriers prevent people from participating, particularly girls who often drop out of school sports or miss school on sports days. The proposed recommendations include removing the 3pm blackout for women's football, showing women's games on free-to-air TV, and delivering a more inclusive PE curriculum in schools. Other suggestions involve providing better training for PE teachers, rethinking kit and uniform policies to prioritize comfort and inclusivity, and committing to stable funding for school and community sports. The report also highlights the UK's lag behind other European countries in terms of investment in sports and recreation, recommending an increase from 0.3% to at least 0.6% of total government expenditure over the next decade.