Dame Caroline Dinenage, MP and chair of the Culture, Media and Sport (CMS) Select Committee, has warned that young girls in England face far too many hurdles when trying to take part in sport. In response, she has called for the long‑standing 3 pm Saturday television blackout on women’s football to be lifted, arguing that doing so would help break down those barriers and inspire greater participation. The CMS Committee, which scrutinises government policy, spending and administration, recently published a comprehensive "Game On" report. The document paints a mixed picture of how well community and school sport are meeting the needs of the English population.
While some initiatives are working, many gaps remain, particularly for school‑aged girls who often lose interest or are excluded from sporting opportunities as they reach puberty. One of the report’s most striking recommendations is that the legal ban on broadcasting live football matches at 3 pm on a Saturday – a rule that dates back more than half a century – should be scrapped for the women’s game. Evidence gathered during the committee’s inquiry shows that when women’s sport is shown on television, girls are more likely to feel motivated and to view sport as an achievable and appealing pursuit. The current legislation, which was originally intended to protect the attendance of lower‑league men’s matches, now unintentionally hampers the visibility of women’s football and limits role‑model exposure for young female fans.
In addition to the broadcast issue, the committee is urging the government to pass legislation that would require local councils and housing associations to remove "No Ball Games" signage from public open spaces and residential estates. By reclaiming these areas for play, communities could provide safe, accessible venues where children – especially girls – can engage in informal sport without fear of reprimand.
During an interview with Sky Sports, Dame Caroline elaborated on the breadth of the committee’s recommendations. She noted that while the nation loves sport, the existing obstacles prevent many people from simply getting involved.
"Whether it’s in schools, clubs or community settings, there are far too many barriers that stop people from trying sport for themselves," she said. She highlighted a worrying trend: as children enter puberty, participation rates among girls drop sharply, with some even missing school on days when sport activities are scheduled.
The committee’s proposals cover a range of areas: * **Broadcast Reform:** The 3 pm blackout, which runs from roughly 2:45 pm to 5:15 pm on Saturdays, should be lifted for women’s football, allowing free‑to‑air channels to showcase matches during this prime viewing window. This recommendation echoes the earlier Karen Carney review, which suggested that a dedicated broadcast slot would benefit the women’s game. * **Inclusive Physical Education:** Schools should be mandated to deliver a PE curriculum that prioritises enjoyment, inclusivity and a welcoming atmosphere. Every pupil should have the opportunity to be physically active for at least one hour each day, with a minimum of two hours of high‑quality PE per week.
* **Teacher Training and Resources:** PE teachers need better training, and schools should reconsider uniform and kit policies to ensure they are comfortable, inclusive and respectful of dignity—especially for girls and students with special educational needs (SEND). * **Stable Funding:** The committee calls on the government to guarantee consistent funding for school and community sport, improve facilities, and develop a cross‑government strategy aimed at a healthier nation.
Investment in sport, they argue, yields social and economic returns that can reduce future health and welfare costs. * **Increased Public Expenditure:** The report points out that the UK’s spending on sport and recreation—currently just 0.3 % of total government expenditure—lags behind the European average. The committee recommends raising this share to at least 0.6 % over the next decade, effectively doubling the current £3.8 billion budget to roughly £7.6 billion. These recommendations are underpinned by the belief that sport is a powerful tool for social cohesion, public health and economic productivity.
By removing outdated restrictions and investing in inclusive, well‑resourced programmes, the UK could see a surge in participation rates, particularly among girls who have historically been underserved. The committee’s findings also underscore the broader cultural shift needed to support women’s sport.
Visibility on television not only provides role models but also normalises the idea that women can excel in football and other traditionally male‑dominated arenas. This cultural change, combined with practical measures such as better facilities and inclusive curricula, could help reverse the decline in girls’ sport participation during adolescence.
In summary, Dame Caroline Dinenage and the CMS Select Committee are advocating for a multi‑pronged approach: lift the 3 pm broadcast ban for women’s football, reclaim public spaces for play, revamp school PE to be more inclusive, secure stable funding, and increase overall government spending on sport. If implemented, these steps could dismantle many of the barriers that currently keep girls from engaging fully in sport, fostering a healthier, more active generation.
The committee’s report concludes with a call to action for policymakers, educators, and community leaders to work together in creating an environment where sport is accessible, enjoyable and equitable for everyone, regardless of gender or ability.