Publication of the review of football in Scotland makes interesting reading, not least because it confirms what many involved in the game and sport in general already know. Damningly the report concludes that facilities are in crisis, are “pathetically inadequate” and in need of mouth to mouth resuscitation in the form of £500m investment. Although the focus is on football the reports findings could also be easily applied to swimming, athletics, tennis – indeed a whole host of other sports.
Improved facilities on their own will not solve sports ills, but it is widely recognised that attractive, welcoming, well designed facilities increase participation and enable talented athletes to realise their potential.
We live in hope (but not expectation) that the Scottish Government can find the investment needed to tackle the appalling state of many pitches and pavilions, but would urge it to go much further and invest and protect the entire sporting infrastructure. Many politicians who talk up the benefits of sport and are happy to be linked with sporting achievements now have an opportunity to walk up to the plate. An election seems an ideal time to ask those who seek are seeking our support ‘what will you do for sport in the run up to 2014?”