Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, Chair of the Culture, Media, Sport Select Committee, believes that numerous barriers prevent young girls in England from participating in sports. To address this issue, she recommends lifting 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 suggests practical steps to increase participation and activity levels across all ages, including removing broadcasting restrictions on women's football during the 3pm Saturday slot.
This change is expected to inspire and motivate girls to engage in sports, as evidence shows that broadcasting women's sports encourages girls to be more 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 councils and housing associations to remove 'No Ball Games' signs from public open spaces and housing estates, allowing people to reclaim these areas for recreational activities. Dame Caroline emphasizes that while people in the nation love sports, numerous barriers prevent them from participating. She notes that many young people, especially girls, drop out of school sports or miss school on sports days after reaching puberty.
The Committee's recommendations 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 proposals include requiring schools to deliver a more inclusive physical education curriculum, prioritizing enjoyment and comfort, and ensuring that pupils participate in at least 2 hours of high-quality physical education each week. The Committee also suggests better training for teachers, rethinking 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, recommending that the government increase its expenditure on sports from 0.3% to at least 0.6% over the next decade.