Research released today by Barclays reveals that participating in sport is now the number one way in which people interact within their communities. However, the MORI survey also uncovered that this participation is limited to only one in three UK households (31%) and that 47% of households have no interaction with their community as too many people are denied the opportunity to participate in sport due to a lack of accessible neighbourhood facilities.
The results of the research released at the launch of Barclays Spaces for Sports, Barclays new community programme in partnership with the Football Foundation and Groundwork, highlight an inconsistency between the perceived benefits of taking part in sport to both individuals and communities and participation levels themselves.
The MORI survey demonstrates that nearly 80% of people agree that participating in sporting activities can benefit a local community through improving people’s health (83%), teaching respect for others (79%) and increasing people’s involvement in community activities (78%). In addition, three quarters (76%) believe that it reduces anti-social behaviour/crime amongst young people. Improved health and skill levels and enabling people to meet other people and socialise are the most common ways in which people perceive sport to benefit individuals (78% and 45% respectively).
However, the survey also confirms that the level of participation in sport in the UK is low with more than one in five (12million people) involved in no sport or physical activity in the last 12 months. The primary reason given for this low level of activity was the lack of available and affordable facilities in people’s immediate neighbourhood. For those who participated in sport in the last 12 months, 56% of the population were more likely to use their local parks/sports pitches.
These findings only serve to reinforce the need for Barclays Spaces for Sports initiative, which through investment in sustainable community sport facilities and support to local teams and clubs, aim to increase the level of participation in both sport and the wider community.
The MORI research was commissioned to support the development of the Barclays Spaces for Sports programme, which complements the Barclays Premiership sponsorship. The research also backs up the findings of a new report by the Sport and Exercise Science Centre of Manchester Metropolitan University which calls for more emphasis on the regeneration of public open spaces as community sports facilities.
Barclays Spaces for Sports aims to encourage more households to participate in sport by providing sustainable sports facilities throughout the country. The £30m scheme is the single biggest investment in grassroots sport by a company ever in the UK. With an additional £6.3m investment from the Football Foundation and further funding being generated by Groundwork, the scheme will provide 21 flagship and 300 smaller sustainable sites across the country in areas that lack sports facilities. In addition to the provision of sustainable sites, each year Barclays will also provide 1,200 sets of coaching kit and equipment to needy teams and groups to ensure they have everything they need to get started.
The impact of Barclays Spaces for Sports will be evaluated by a groundbreaking piece of research that will be the first ever long-term study looking at the effect these sports sites have on local communities and how a programme like this should be undertaken. This will be an independent report undertaken by the Manchester Metropolitan University.
Matt Barrett, Chairman of Barclays Bank PLC, said: “Barclays Spaces for Sports will create hundreds of new sports sites up and down the country. The programme brings together experts in the fields of both sport and regeneration in a way never before attempted. Our aim is to have a significant and long-lasting impact on local communities and grassroots sport throughout the UK for many years to come."
Dave Richards, Football Foundation: “This partnership will build on the impressive investment programme already undertaken by the Football Foundation in the grass roots game since 2000. The Barclays Spaces for Sports programme will leave a lasting legacy for sport in this country and will provide modern community facilities for thousands of young people throughout the country."
Tony Hawkhead, Groundwork: “Barclays Spaces for Sports builds on nine years of helping people to improve their local environment through the 'Barclays SiteSavers' programme. Access to good quality open spaces with well-kept facilities are vital to our health and well-being. Barclays Spaces for Sports will give local people the support to create their own place for exercise, leisure and fun and we are delighted to continue our long-standing partnership with Barclays on this programme. "
For further information please contact the Barclays Spaces for Sports Press Office:
Richard Mackey Tel: 0207 699 3761 (24 hour press office line) Mobile: 0771 2179544
Sarah Davis Tel: 0207 699 4114 Mobile: 07775 543 294
www.barclays.co.uk/spacesforsports
Notes to Editors:
Questions were placed on one wave of the MORI Telephone Omnibus, the regular MORI survey among the general public. 1,004 interviews were achieved across a nationally representative sample of the British public aged 16 and over. Interviews were conducted over the telephone using CATI (Computer Aided Telephone Interviewing) between 20th and 22nd August 2004.
To obtain a copy of the Manchester Metropolitan University report, please contact Groundwork UK Tel: 0121 2368565 Email info@groundwork.org.uk
Key Findings
1. 31% of GB households (one in three) belong to sports clubs or teams within their local community
2. 47% of GB households do not participate in any community activities
3. The three main barriers for people not participating in sport within their local community were cost of entrance/activity (28%), lack of facilities in the area (25%) and lack of time (21%)
4. 78% of the population believe participation in sport can benefit individuals through improved health and fitness and skill levels
5. 78% of respondents believe sport helps to increase involvement in community activities with other local people
6. 76% of the population agree that participation in sport benefits local communities by reducing anti-social behaviour and crime amongst young people
7. 45% of the population believe sport can enable people to meet other people and creates social benefits
FOOTBALL FOUNDATION The Football Foundation, the UK's largest sports charity, was launched in July 2000. Funded by the FA Premier League, the Football Association and the Government, the Football Foundation is dedicated to revitalising the grass roots of the game by constructing modern football facilities whilst also harnessing football's power as a force for social cohesion and as a vehicle for education in communities across the country.
GROUNDWORK Groundwork is a federation of Trusts in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, each working with their partners to improve the quality of the local environment, the lives of local people and the success of local businesses in areas in need of investment and support.
Each Groundwork Trust is a partnership between the public, private and voluntary sectors with its own board of trustees. The work of the Trusts is supported by the national and regional offices of Groundwork UK and by Groundwork Wales.
For further information, journalists should contact the relevant press office.
