GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL

Early day motion 1245, tabled 1 April 2014 by David Crausby (Labour). Signed by 66 members.

That this House recognises the importance of grassroots football to communities; notes that participation in football promotes a healthy, active lifestyle, develops team work and builds lasting friendships among children; further notes with great concern the declining standards of pitches and facilities across the country and the hardships faced by local authorities to invest in grassroots football due to cuts in funding from central Government, often combined with higher charges to use pitches; further notes the huge success of the Premier League at home and around the world leading to soaring revenues and higher wages for players at the very top of the sport; and calls on the Government to work with the Football Association and Premier League to divert more funds from the Premier League into children's grassroots football by committing 7.5 per cent of money produced by domestic and international broadcasting rights, to guarantee the future of English football and to give every child the opportunity to participate in grassroots football.

Signatures by party: Labour 49, Liberal Democrat 7, Conservative 4, DUP 2, Alliance 1, Green 1, Independent 1, Respect 1.