Sports clubs in England and Wales are concerned about the lack of facilities available to them, among other challenges, according to data analysed for our What’s the Score? report.
The data inside the report reveals the general health of grassroots sports clubs and what the self-perceived challenges and threats are to their continued survival. On the availability of sports facilities, 25% of clubs said a lack of availability was a serious problem they faced.
The report was compiled as part of a European-wide project that looked in to the structural characteristics of sports clubs across 10 member states. Over 800 clubs responded from England and Wales, providing fresh data and insights into the characteristics and demographic of sports clubs.
Some of the key findings in the What’s the Score? report include:
· Average number of members belonging to a sports club is 246
· 41% of clubs own a sports facility while 57% rely on public sports facilities
· The average annual adult membership of a sports club is £203, while it is £105 for children
Commenting on the findings of the report Emma Boggis, Chief Executive of the Sport and Recreation Alliance, said “Ensuring the long-term health and development of grassroots sport and recreation clubs is of vital importance to us all.
The findings of this survey indicate that, while sports clubs are generally in a good state, there are increasing concerns about the lack of available sports facilities for clubs and their members to use. Clubs are also struggling to recruit skilled and experienced coaches, as well as volunteers, to ensure that their club can offer wide-ranging and high-quality sessions.
We will continue to work with our members to ensure that sport and recreation at a grassroots level receives all the support it can get. Following a record-breaking Olympic and Paralympic Games, it’s essential that everybody who has been inspired to get active can find a place to do so.
Parliamentarians can also support this cause. Our recent Parliamentary Sports Fair and the launch of #GetYourKitOnA Guide to Grassroots Sport and Recreationcan help MPs and local clubs come together to resolve local issues and help keep communities engaged and active in sport.”
