§ Mr. RandallTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what measures she intends to take to improve sports opportunities for young people. [81383]
§ Mr. CabornWe are working with DfES, Sport England, governing bodies and other partners to transform sports opportunities for young people both in school and in their communities. Initiatives include building on the foundations of the Specialist Sports College and School Sport Co-ordinator programmes, investing in local sports clubs facilities and junior provision and improving the range and quality of provision for gifted and talented young sports people.
§ 27. Phil SawfordWhat her Department has done to improve participation rates of young people in sporting activities. [81395]
§ Mr. CabornThe Government is supporting a variety of initiatives to encourage and assist participation in sport by young people. For example, in September 2002 some 750 school sport co-ordinators and 3,500 primary or special school link teachers were in place working in 142 partnerships across England. In the community, the 45 county sports partnerships have developed 279 junior sport development plans and Sport England has been helping young people to improve their sporting skills through a co-ordinated programme that will provide access to organised sport.