Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee: Sport in our communities

At grassroots level, sport in the UK relies heavily on volunteers, such as coaches and assistants but the Covid-19 pandemic has seen a fall in volunteering in all sectors. The third session of the inquiry into sport in our communities will explore how diminished numbers of volunteers could affect the viability of local sports clubs and the provision of sport. MPs will hear from experienced long-time volunteers Nahimul Islam, founder of Wapping Youth FC and Dr Louise Morby, founder of Huddersfield Giants Netball club and the West Yorkshire Junior Netball League, on the current pressures facing community volunteers.

The session will also investigate the support given to community sport organisations throughout the pandemic. Chief executives of StreetGames and Sported will give evidence on their roles in supporting community-led sports organisations in providing opportunities for young people and serving disadvantaged communities.

Tuesday 2 March, 10.00am

Witnesses at 10.00:

• Nahimul Islam, Founder and Director, Wapping Youth FC
• Louise Morby, grassroots netball player and coach, and Senior Lecturer in Sport Development, Leeds Beckett University

At approx. 10.40:

• Mark Lawrie, Chief Executive, StreetGames
• Nicola Walker, Chief Executive, Sported