Agenda item

‘Wokingham Borough Council congratulates the England Lionesses on their incredible achievement of becoming European Champions. Many of these women were not offered the opportunity as children to play football at school and the only reason for their success was, they were prepared and able to travel great distances to pursue their dream. Wokingham Borough Council believes all children should be offered the opportunity at school to play football and calls on all schools in Wokingham Borough to ensure that football is offered to every child who wishes to play.’

Statement from the Chief Finance Officer

Where schools have the necessary facilities there may be no direct financial implications. However, where this is not the case, there may be considerable investment required, for example, as has already been reported to Executive, a 3G pitch would require capital funds of approximately £800k with associated running costs. A school-by-school analysis would need to be undertaken to properly understand the financial impact and the viability of provision.

The schools community is an eclectic mix including; Maintained Schools, Academies, Private Schools, and Diocese, so funding and affordability would need to be considered in this context.

Council considered the following Motion, proposed by Rebecca Margetts, and seconded by Pauline Jorgensen.

‘Wokingham Borough Council congratulates the England Lionesses on their incredible achievement of becoming European Champions. Many of these women were not offered the opportunity as children to play football at school and the only reason for their success was they were prepared and able to travel great distances to pursue their dream. Wokingham Borough Council believes all children should be offered the opportunity at school to play football and calls on all primary schools in Wokingham Borough to ensure that football is offered to every child who wishes to play.’

Rebecca Margetts highlighted that the success of the Lionesses in the summer had shone a spotlight on women’s sport.  It was only right that boys and girls had the same opportunities to play sport.  She felt that all children should be able to play football should they wish.

Andy Croy expressed concern at the potential additional financial pressure on already very financially challenged schools.  He felt that additional funding should be provided.

Gary Cowan indicated that he supported the Motion but that the focus should not just be on football.  He referred to other sporting successes.

Pray Bray commented that many schools were academies and could only be encouraged to amend their sport offer to girls if necessary.  She referred to the Chief Finance Officer’s comments that schools could incur costs in the implementation of the Motion.   Nevertheless, she felt that equal opportunities should be available.  She emphasised that children should, however, not be forced to participate in any sports that they hated, and that being active was key.

Laura Blumenthal expressed surprise that any Member may have concerns regarding the Motion.  She believed that it merely requested that boys and girls be offered the same opportunities in sports provision.

Jim Frewin was of the view that the Motion should be supported, and that support and signposting should be offered.

In accordance with Section 4.2.15.5 a recorded vote was requested.

RESOLVED:  That Wokingham Borough Council congratulates the England Lionesses on their incredible achievement of becoming European Champions. Many of these women were not offered the opportunity as children to play football at school and the only reason for their success was they were prepared and able to travel great distances to pursue their dream. Wokingham Borough Council believes all children should be offered the opportunity at school to play football and calls on all primary schools in Wokingham Borough to ensure that football is offered to every child who wishes to play.