Oral Answers to Questions

Callum Anderson Excerpts

Thursday 3rd April 2025 Commons Chamber

[Lisa Nandy]

I am sorry to hear that the hon. Lady is not receiving the support that she needs, but we are absolutely determined to provide it to her, and to any other Member of this House who is a champion of grassroots sports facilities. I know that sites in Market Drayton have been awarded grants totalling over £6,000 through the multi-sport grassroots facilities programme, but we are very aware that there are huge numbers of people—particularly young people—who want to get involved in sports, and we will work with the hon. Lady to make that a reality.

[Callum Anderson (Buckingham and Bletchley) (Lab)]

T4. Grassroots football clubs such as Bletchley Scot FC are inspiring the next generation of girls and boys to take up the beautiful game. When I visited them last month, they told me that securing funding for modern sports facilities was their top priority, but that engaging with the Football Association was incredibly challenging. Can the Minister set out what steps she is taking to work with the FA at the local and national levels?

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Stephanie Peacock)]

Our investment through the multi-sport grassroots facilities programme is delivered through the Football Foundation in England, which engages with local Football Association and community stakeholders to identify needs in each area. I encourage clubs such as Bletchley Scot FC to approach the Football Foundation directly to explore potential funding opportunities, and I am very happy to set up a meeting for my hon. Friend.

Oral Answers to Questions

Callum Anderson Excerpts

Thursday 27th February 2025 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Order! Look, I cannot get people in. I have all these people who wish to ask a question.

[Callum Anderson (Buckingham and Bletchley) (Lab)]

T8. Football clubs are far more than 90 minutes of entertainment on match day; they are also powerful engines of community outreach, which provide a lifeline for vulnerable people. In the Buckingham and Bletchley constituency, Milton Keynes Dons Sport and Education Trust offers a variety of programmes for those battling dementia or who have suffered from brain trauma or stroke. Can the Secretary of State explain to the House how the Football Governance Bill will help the ability of clubs to continue providing those programmes?

[Lisa Nandy]

May I say how grateful I am to my hon. Friend for his support not just for his local club, but for the Football Governance Bill that this Government have introduced? The Bill will ensure financial sustainability in the game, put fans back at the heart of decisions that are made about their own clubs, and ensure that fit and proper owners are in charge of these vital social assets.