Protect sporting facilities at the “heart of our communities, bringing people together, improving health and giving young people the chance to thrive”
Emma Foody, Labour and Co-operative MP for Cramlington and Killingworth, today (7th of May) introduced a Ten Minute Rule Bill in the House of Commons aimed at strengthening protections for local sports facilities. The Sport Facilities Community Asset Bill seeks to automatically designate local sports facilities as Assets of Community Value (ACVs), giving communities a better chance to retain beloved local amenities before they are lost forever.
The Sport Facilities Community Asset Bill will remove the need for community groups to apply for Asset of Community Value (ACV) status through local authorities, granting automatic listing of eligible sports facilities across the country. Asset of Community Value designation gives communities time to mobilise resources for potential ownership.
During her speech to the House of Commons Chamber, Emma Foody said “New Hartley Juniors has seen three of its alumni go on to lift the League Cup. Most recently of course, was Big Dan Burn. A literal giant who scored the first goal in Newcastle’s League Cup final victory this year. The thing is Madam Deputy Speaker, you’ll never ever beat Dan Burn, he’s from Blyth…
“But the contribution of local sports clubs goes far beyond their role in producing International Sports stars – though to be clear, they do. It’s more than that. Like Cramlington Town Football Club stepping in during school holidays to ensure local kids get a day of activity but also a hot meal… Concordia Leisure Centre who take on local SEN kids on Supported Internships. Countless ways sports facilities are making out communities better, day in and day out.”
Speaking after the debate, the Labour and Co-operative MP remarked “Local sports facilities are at the heart of our communities, bringing people together, improving health and giving young people the chance to thrive. The loss of them is a huge blow and my Bill seeks to offer them greater protections.
“This has long been a campaign of the Co-operative Party, to put power where it belongs, in the hands of local people. Automatic listing will make it easier for communities to take ownership and invest in the places they care about. This is a bold step forward, and I am determined to keep up the momentum to deliver lasting change for communities.”