Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, chair of the Culture, Media, Sport Select Committee, stresses 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. A recent report by the CMS Committee, titled Game On, reveals a mixed picture of community and school sports in meeting the needs of the English population.
The report proposes several practical recommendations to boost activity levels and participation in sports across all age groups, with a particular focus on overcoming barriers faced by school-age girls. The committee suggests that lifting the 3pm Saturday broadcast restriction for women's football could inspire and motivate girls to engage in sports, as evidenced by the positive impact of broadcasting women's sports. Currently, UK legislation prohibits the live broadcast of football matches that kick off at 3pm on Saturdays.
Additionally, the committee urges the government to pass legislation requiring local councils and housing associations to remove 'No Ball Games' signs from public open spaces and housing estates, thereby reclaiming these areas for recreational activities. Dame Caroline emphasized that despite the nation's love for sports, numerous barriers prevent people from actively participating.
She noted that many young individuals, particularly girls, drop out of school sports or miss school on sports days once they reach puberty. The committee's recommendations include removing the 3pm blackout for women's football on Saturday television, as proposed by the Karen Carney review, and supported by the FA. Other suggestions 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 committee also recommends better training for PE teachers, revising kit and uniform policies to prioritize comfort and inclusivity, and committing to stable funding for school and community sports.
Furthermore, the report highlights that the UK trails behind other European countries in terms of investment in sports and recreation, allocating only 0.3 percent of total government expenditure. The committee proposes increasing this share to at least 0.6 percent over the next decade, effectively doubling the current £3.8 billion to £7.6 billion.