22 Jul 2013

Alliance responds to committee's call to stop sport being “kicked around like a political football”

Alliance responds to committee's call to stop sport being “kicked around like a political football” news article image

The Sport and Recreation Alliance has responded to a report written by a committee of MPs calling for an end to school sport being “kicked around as a political football”.

The Education Select Committee’s words echo many of the arguments that have been put forward by the Alliance in recent months to ensure that a lasting legacy for school sport is seized and not squandered.

Andy Reed, chair of the Sport and Recreation Alliance who recently gave evidence to the committee said:

“The Alliance welcomes the committee’s recognition that whilst competitive sport brings many benefits, this emphasis can deter many young people from taking part at all.

"We strongly agree that schools should offer non-competitive activities like dance and outdoor recreation as part of a broad and balanced curriculum.

“We welcome the government’s two-year primary sport premium that is being distributed to the heads of primary schools but share the committee’s view that a long-term school sport strategy supported by sustainable funding is needed. The Department for Education must also offer support and guidance to schools if they are to use the premium effectively.”

Download the report here.

For more information on the Sport and Recreation Alliance's school sport policy contact Simon Butler.

For media enquiries contact Libby Jellie on 020 7976 3933.

Latest News

28 Mar 2025

Parliamentary launch for new EMD UK and Alliance report highlighting immense social value of group exercise

The Sport and Recreation Alliance were delighted to facilitate a Parliamentary launch for a new research report ‘The Social Value of Group Exercise’, commissioned by EMD UK, the national governing body for group exercise.

Read more Arrow Right
27 Mar 2025

Spring Statement: Sport, recreation and physical activity sector urges Government to protect investment to boost health and growth

The National Sector Partners Group* (NSPG) has issued the following statement in response to the Chancellor’s Spring Statement.

Read more Arrow Right
26 Mar 2025

Sport and Recreation Alliance CEO Gives Evidence to DCMS Select Committee

On 25 March, CEO of the Sport and Recreation Alliance Lisa Wainwright MBE gave evidence to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee’s Game On Inquiry in Parliament.

Read more Arrow Right

Become a member

Joining the Sport and Recreation Alliance is pretty simple, but worthwhile!

Register now

Our Partners

Admincontrol logoAir IT logoGateley Legal logohelp me Angela logoHowden logoMarsh Sport logoSport:80 logoZellar logo93FT logo