Written evidence submitted by
Sporting Duet Academy (K. Macbeth Mackay and I. Harvey)

Current Quality and Availability of Grassroots Sport Facilities

Q: What is the current quality and availability of facilities for grassroots sport?

A: The current state of grassroots sport facilities faces several challenges:

•    Poor access due to uneven distribution and insufficient quantity of sports amenities across local areas

•    Ageing infrastructure and rising costs, with 49% of community groups experiencing significant increases in energy bills

•    Overcrowding in many areas due to high demand and limited supply

•    Financial barriers exacerbated by the cost of living crisis, with 55% of community groups reporting reduced financial support

•    Limited access for under-represented groups, including women's, non-binary, and trans-inclusive teams

•    Inadequate facilities for non-cis gender players and players with disabilities, including issues with changing rooms, lighting, and step-free access

Interventions to Improve Grassroots Sport Provision

Q: What interventions are needed to improve this provision?

A: Several interventions are necessary to enhance grassroots sports provision:

1. Increased investment, building on the UK government's £93 million Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme
2. Implementation of digital solutions like the PitchPower app to optimise facility use and accessibility
3. Community-focused planning, with local authorities prioritising grassroots sports facilities in urban strategies
4. Fostering partnerships between public and private sectors, schools, and community organisations
5. Investment in energy-efficient facilities and renewable energy sources to reduce operational costs
6. Inclusive design incorporating gender-neutral changing rooms, step-free access, and features for wheelchair users
7. Improved lighting and clear signage for better navigation and safety
8. Fairer booking systems with time slots for under-represented groups and quota systems
9. Capping pitch rental fees to improve affordability for grassroots teams
10. Promotion of community-led initiatives to address local needs and priorities

By implementing these interventions, the quality and availability of grassroots sports facilities can be significantly improved, fostering greater community engagement and physical activity across diverse populations.