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

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.

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