Removing TV Blackout for Women's Football: A Step Towards Breaking Down Barriers

Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, Chair of the Culture, Media, Sport Select Committee, emphasizes that numerous obstacles hinder young girls in England from participating in sports. To address this issue, she advocates for the abolition of the 3pm TV blackout for women's football. The CMS Committee's Game On report reveals a mixed picture of community and school sports in England, with particular challenges for school-age girls. The report proposes several practical recommendations to boost participation and activity levels across all age groups. It suggests that lifting the 3pm Saturday TV blackout for women's football could inspire and motivate girls to engage in sports, as evidence indicates that broadcasting women's sports encourages girls to be active. Currently, UK legislation prohibits live broadcasts of football matches that kick off at 3pm on Saturdays. The Committee also urges the government to pass legislation requiring local councils and housing associations to remove 'No Ball Games' signs from public spaces, thereby reclaiming these areas for recreational activities. Dame Caroline notes that despite the nation's love for sports, many barriers prevent people from participating. She highlights that many young people, especially girls, drop out of school sports or miss school on sports days. The proposed recommendations include removing the 3pm TV blackout for women's football, delivering a more inclusive PE curriculum in schools, and providing better training for PE teachers. The Committee also suggests that schools should ensure pupils engage in at least 2 hours of high-quality PE per week and that every pupil has the opportunity to be physically active for at least an hour daily. Furthermore, the report recommends that the government commit to stable funding for school and community sports, improve facilities, and develop a cross-government strategy to promote a healthier nation. By investing in sports, the Committee argues that significant social and economic benefits can be achieved, leading to substantial savings in health and welfare budgets. The report also highlights that the UK trails behind other European countries in terms of sports funding, recommending that the government increase its expenditure on sports and recreation from 0.3% to at least 0.6% over the next decade.