We were very pleased to be invited to submit evidence to the CCPR facilities review earlier this year. This was chaired by the BBC’s John Inverdale who is as nice in the flesh as he is on the screen.
Our main comments were that there are actually enough indoor sports facilities to meet local needs but there is a shortage of specialist facilities such as gymnastic centres and indoor athletics venues. However, whilst there is a good supply of outdoor facilities, these are generally not well maintained and the low quality of changing rooms for most local recreation grounds would cause a riot if offered at the local leisure centre. This is the single most important barrier to encouraging more women and girls into football, rugby and cricket.
We also commented that the lack of access for the general public to school sports facilities is a national disgrace. Far too many facilities are locked at the end of the school day and are not available during school holidays.
All these comments were accepted by the CCPR committe and are included in the final report which can be read here:-
