New survey outlines what sector leaders want the new sports policy to consider

Any new sports policy put forward by the Government should incorporate 'fresh thinking and independent input' according to a survey of leaders within the sector.

The survey, produced by the Sports Think Tank, asked 100 senior sport executives about a number of aspects that should be considered when the Government green paper is put forward later this year.

The survey results are as follows:
•tMore than 95% want 'fresh thinking and independent input'
•t85% say sport should link with 'innovators and entrepreneurs' to 'meet consumer needs'
•t79% think NGBs need to think 'more creatively' about 'products, pricing, platforms and content'
•t86% want a new ' ten-year CROSS PARTY sports strategy'
•tOver 70% want the private sector to invest more in 'grassroots sports'
•tOnly 30% rate current sports policy as 'good'
•t70% think the Government should continue to bid for major events

According to the Sports Think Tank, the existing sports sector has 'oodles of experience' and will be 'critical to delivery' but it is time to call on different approaches and ideas rather than just rely on the those who have dominated the debate since the last thorough overhaul of Government sports policy in 2002.

The positive social impact that sport can bring to communities should also be strongly considered, say the think tank.

Over 90% of respondents said that 'improving community integration, boosting employability and reducing crime' should be incorporated into new policy and funding initiatives.

The survey also showed concerns about forthcoming Government cuts, with nearly 90% fearing government cuts will harm the chances of local authorities providing adequate sports facilities, which many already rate as inadequate.

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