Removing Barriers to Women's Football: End the 3pm TV Blackout

Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, Chair of the Culture, Media, Sport Select Committee, believes that numerous obstacles prevent 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. A recent report by the CMS Committee highlights 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. Notably, it suggests removing restrictions on broadcasting women's football during the 3pm Saturday slot, as evidence shows that broadcasting women's sports inspires and motivates girls to be active. Currently, UK legislation prohibits the live broadcast of football matches that kick off at 3pm on Saturdays. The Committee also urges the government to pass legislation requiring councils and housing associations to remove 'No Ball Games' signs from public open land and housing estates, reclaiming these spaces for recreational activities. Dame Caroline emphasized that while the nation loves sports, numerous barriers prevent people from actively participating. She noted that many young people, especially girls, drop out of school sports or miss school on sports days after reaching puberty. The proposed solutions include removing the 3pm blackout for women's football on Saturday television, using this time slot to broadcast women's games on free-to-air TV. Other recommendations include implementing a more inclusive PE curriculum in schools, prioritizing enjoyment and comfort, and ensuring that pupils engage in at least 2 hours of high-quality PE per week. The report also suggests that teachers should receive better training in PE, and kit and uniform policies should prioritize comfort and inclusivity. Furthermore, Dame Caroline has urged the government to commit to stable funding for school and community sports, improve facilities, and develop a cross-government strategy for a healthier nation. The Committee argues that investing in sports will yield significant social and economic benefits, leading to substantial savings in health and welfare budgets. The report highlights that the UK trails behind other European countries in terms of sports investment, recommending that the government increase its expenditure on sports and recreation from 0.3% to at least 0.6% over the next decade.