A new report reveals Wales ranks low in sports funding and facilities, impacting participation and quality.
Cardiff: A recent report shows Wales is lagging behind in sports funding and facilities. It ranks third from the bottom in Europe for spending on recreation. The situation is pretty dire, with many pitches and facilities in poor condition. Some clubs, like a local hockey team, even have to play their home games in England because they can’t afford to fix their pitches.
The Football Association of Wales (FAW) has pointed out that the lack of decent facilities is the biggest issue for players and clubs. They estimate that around £10 million a year is needed just to bring things up to scratch. With the weather getting worse, over 40% of matches are postponed during winter months. Right now, only 21% of pitches are rated as ‘good’, and changing facilities aren’t much better.
Swim Wales has also raised alarms about swimming pools, saying that 30% could close in the next decade if nothing changes. The Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) is urging the government to rethink the non-domestic rates for leisure buildings. Many in the sector are feeling the pinch, with funding cuts leading to job losses and fewer opportunities.
Politicians in Cardiff are worried about the impact on people’s health, both physical and mental. A committee is looking into how these cuts have affected culture and sport over the last ten years. They believe there’s a real lack of strategy from the Welsh Government in these areas.
When it comes to spending, Wales is at £59.75 per person for cultural services, which is way behind the UK average of £91.12. Iceland tops the list with a whopping £978.51. In terms of culture, Wales spends £69.68 per head, just ahead of Greece, while Iceland again leads with £691.60.
The report highlights cuts to various organizations, including the Welsh National Opera and Sport Wales. Attendance at cultural events has dropped since the pandemic, and the cost of living crisis isn’t helping either. Museums are seeing a 69% drop in visitors, which is pretty alarming.
Funding cuts have also affected the upkeep of venues. The Music Venue Trust warns that 16 music venues are at risk of closing, which would be a huge loss for the community. Northop Hall Ladies Hockey Club has to play in England due to their pitch being prone to flooding, while Gwent Hockey Club describes their facilities as substandard compared to others in the West of England.
The FAW reiterates that poor facilities are the main issue for clubs and players. Committee chair Delyth Jewell from Plaid Cymru says there’s a lack of coordinated thinking across the government regarding the benefits of culture and sport.
She emphasizes that culture and sport have been treated as optional extras for too long, leading to a decade of funding cuts that have left these sectors fragile. The committee has made 13 recommendations, including better funding for arts companies and a national swimming strategy, to bring Wales in line with other European countries.
