Cost of living crisis urging kids to drop out of football training
A Sun investigation revealed that parents are having to pull their children out of football training and other sports clubs because of the cost of living crisis.
A poll by Sported, a charity that supports community sports clubs, found 94% of grassroots clubs are concerned about the impact of soaring prices on their membership.
Meanwhile, football clubs across the UK told The Sun that the economic crisis is forcing children out of training and weekend matches, even though they’re doing whatever they can to give their players a chance.
Adding to that, 92% of clubs are worried about the negative impact this might have on young people, Ring/Sported Community Pulse Survey found.
While 50% of club leaders said that the lack of finances is affecting participation in sport, 31% believe that this will result in long-term consequences of having fewer young people involved in sports and physical activity.
Nicola Walker, chief executive of Sported, said: “The cost of living is putting grassroots sports groups under extreme pressure. It’s making it harder to raise the cash to operate.
“And it’s making it tougher on our kids to afford the price of participation, or even just the cost of travelling to take part. That means they could miss out on a boost to their physical and mental wellbeing.
“But time spent kicking a ball or in a dance class is also time in a safe space where young people meet positive influences and get a priceless chance to learn and grow.
“So it’s important that the Government recognises all the amazing ways in which sport contributes to building stronger, safer communities and offers the support it needs.”
