This week the media has covered a number of stories in relation to government statements, announcements and reports, a number of which have a direct impact on the sport and recreation sector.
On Wednesday the minister for sport Hugh Robertson released a ten-point plan in a bid to ensure that the government delivers on its promise to ‘inspire a generation’ in the wake of London 2012, and the BBC website covered our personal response.
Women in sport have also received a lot of media attention this week, with a number of articles in The Guardian and The Independent stemming from Maria Miller’s letter, which asked all major media broadcasters to increase their coverage and the BBC potentially leading the way.
Greater coverage of women’s sport is undoubtedly welcomed by the Alliance and we wholeheartedly support the WSFF’s Sue Tibball’s comments in a Guardian blog, which suggests that both women’s international football and netball on the BBC would a good place to start.
The BBC reported on another government report revealing what many of us already know, that racism in football still a significant problem. Campaigners believe there is still more that needs to be done in this area, particularly in order to achieve greater ethnic diversity within English clubs at management level.
The report also found evidence that homophobia may now be the biggest problem in football in relation to other forms of discrimination, as The Independent reports.
The Daily Mail speaks of the chair of the Professional Footballers' Association’s hopes that more footballers will feel comfortable enough to reveal their sexuality in the coming years, which would be a significant and welcome breakthrough for sport.
That’s all from me for this week but do catch up with some of our latest blogs and news stories if you have a moment to spare.
Best wishes
Tim
The Sport and Recreation Alliance welcomes Government’s commitment to investing in community sport, recreation and physical activity, and its recognition of the social and economic value it provides.
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The National Sector Partners Group has issued a joint statement following the announcement of the Government’s Comprehensive Spending Review today.
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Today Sport England has announced the appointment of its new Chief Executive, Simon Hayes, who will begin the role in September.
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