HC Deb 01 March 1999 vol 326 cc728-9
6. Mr. Syd Rapson (Portsmouth, North)

What plans he has to offer sporting activities at after-school clubs. [72094]

The Minister for Sport (Mr. Tony Banks)

I hope that activities offered may include sporting and outdoor learning activities, and structured, learning-oriented play. The amount allocated for these activities will be determined by the new opportunities fund in response to the applications received.

Emerging evidence suggests involvement in sporting activities increases pupils' confidence, self-esteem and sense of achievement. Types of activities currently supported in after-school clubs are netball, swimming, football, adventure activities, gymnastics and aerobics. Current after-schools clubs also involve children in creative activities such as musical instrument tuition, bands, singing classes, painting, pottery, musical dance and dramatic productions—as well as providing opportunities for attending performances and workshops.

Mr. Rapson

It is generally agreed that sporting activities are unifying and very healthy for young people's development. Will the Minister use his special qualities to encourage sporting bids from the new opportunities fund and to encourage local authorities to act in partnership so that the maximum number of clubs may benefit and sport may be put in its rightful context?

Mr. Banks

I could not agree more with my hon. Friend. He was sufficiently modest not to mention the City of Portsmouth hockey club, which is supporting schools running after-school hockey sessions. The hon. Member for South Staffordshire (Sir P. Cormack) laughs: he does not have the shape for hockey, but I am sure that he supports the sport—he is a little puckish, if I may say so.

Portsmouth is clearly setting a very good example. Schools' after-hours activities can comprise a big sporting element—I keep returning to this point—and that is a good way of allocating additional resources to sport. I hope that local authorities, clubs and other bodies will submit applications so that we may have many sport-oriented activities in after-school clubs.

Mr. Nigel Evans (Ribble Valley)

Schools and colleges have some excellent facilities that are chained and locked up after hours, particularly in the summer. Would it be possible to use some of the money to open those facilities and provide coaching? It is rather absurd that, while Burger King and McDonald's restaurants are open all hours to attract our youngsters, we chain up those sporting facilities that could make our youngsters healthier.

Mr. Banks

The hon. Gentleman is right: this problem has been around for ages. Every time we raise the issue, we are told about difficulties with insurance and so on. School facilities that benefit from lottery funds must encourage community involvement. The principle is clearly already established, but we must do more. I am more than happy to do what I can, in discussion with my colleagues at the Department for Education and Employment, to unlock more educational sporting facilities. It is a great waste if they are under-utilised.

Ms Claire Ward (Watford)

I am sure that my hon. Friend agrees that football and rugby clubs can play an important role in after-school clubs. What is he doing to ensure that such activities are promoted among football and rugby clubs? Will he make sure that clubs already undertaking those activities are recognised as leading the way?

Mr. Banks

May I say to my hon. Friend how much I enjoyed my visit to Watford last week when I attended the Saracens and Watford luncheon club? It was a very pleasant visit and I thoroughly enjoyed renewing my old acquaintance with Watford, whose electorate cruelly rejected me in 1979. My hon. Friend was seven at the time—too young to vote and too old to kiss.

My hon. Friend is absolutely right to say that we need to encourage far more link-ups between schools and clubs. I shall do whatever I can. The issue demonstrates why there is so much need for regular contact between my Department and the Department for Education and Employment.

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