Olympic sheen helps NI sport but barriers to top remain

Figures found that 42% of clubs polled in NI said they agreed that investment made into success at Olympics and Paralympics impacts positively on grassroots sport. Just 21% of respondents disagreed.​

The most common reason groups cited as a reason why young people at their group who want to progress in elite sport aren’t able to do so was the cost of participation (73%). More than half of respondents pointed to a lack of satisfactory facilities (60%).​

And economic factors threaten the ability of our next generation to get involved at a grassroots level, Sported’s insight shows.

“The importance of community sport is highly regarded from me personally and also in Cooktown where I’m from and having had the opportunity to be involved from a young age, it certainly allowed me the chance to grow both socially and physically throughout my childhood,” said Northern Irish hockey star David Ames, who will captain Great Britain’s men at the Paris Olympics.

“Having been someone who has enjoyed all sorts of sporting activities, I was able to enjoy all the benefits that community sports presented. Seeing the impact and progression over the last decade has made it so much accessible for kids to connect together at whatever sport they want to enjoy.”

With 73% of groups meeting Sport NI goals of getting inactive kids active, over half of those polled reported that young people had disengaged from, or reduced participation, in sport and physical activity in the last six months because of cost-of-living pressures.

Costs such as fees, kit and travel are among the central factors in creating barriers that threaten their ability to keep taking part.

Sported is teaming up with Ring to offer support and resources to ease the financial burdens.

“Those who run community sports clubs are mainly volunteers and the time they put in to ensure that our young people have safe and inspiring places to go makes a real difference across Northern Ireland,” said Sported’s chief executive officer Sarah Kaye.

“However we see a worrying increase in the pressure felt personally by those who do this vital work and keep the lights on. Grassroots groups not only deliver for benefits physical and mental health but they provide social and life skills that reduce anti-social behaviour and grow attainment.

“Many of them strive to reduce rates of dropping out by subsidising costs or waiving fees. So it’s critical that their role of these trusted local leaders is recognised and help offered so that their organisations survive and our next generation is not priced out for playing sport for fun – or dreaming of Olympics and Paralympics.”