Stresses on Sussex sporting heroes a threat to grassroots

New figures from charity Sported and home security firm Ring found that 81 per cent of those overseeing community organisations across the South East found that the role had become “more stressful over the last two years."

While most remain “confident” in their club’s survival during the next six months, the feelings of optimism drop from 92% to 78% when looking ahead to three years’ time.

Funding remains the most common need for community groups, with 91% saying it’s a priority for the next six months. Challenges in accessing cash help include limited staff capacity and lack of experience, and burdensome and complex application processes.

The issues are the first part of a double whammy with cost of living concerns hitting families in their pockets – and making it harder for young people to gain the widely-recognised physical and mental benefits from taking part in sport and other activities such as dance.

With 75% of groups meeting government and Sport England goals of getting inactive kids active, over one-third of those polled (39%) reported that young people had disengaged from, or reduced participation, in sport and physical activity in the last six months because of cost-of-living pressures.

42% said mental health was a challenge for young people with 43% blaming immediate financial hardship for a lack of opportunities for sporting activities despite the efforts of grassroots groups.

Costs such as fees, kit and travel are among the central factors in creating barriers that threaten their ability to keep taking part with Sported teaming up with Ring to offer support and resources to ease the financial burdens.

"Those who run community sports clubs are mainly volunteers and the time they put in to ensure that our young people have safe and inspiring places to go makes a real difference,” said Sported’s chief executive officer Sarah Kaye.

"However we see a worrying increase in the pressure felt personally by those who do this vital work and keep the lights on. Grassroots groups not only deliver for benefits physical and mental health but they provide social and life skills that reduce anti-social behaviour and grow attainment.

“Many of them strive to reduce rates of dropping out by subsidising costs or waiving fees. So it’s critical that their role of these trusted local leaders is recognised and help offered so that their organisations survive and our next generation is not priced out.”

A new fund, backed by Ring, has been set up to assist clubs in distress.

”Ring’s mission is focused on keeping people close to what’s important, and we know how important these community groups are to helping neighbourhoods thrive,” said Dave Ward, Managing Director for Ring International.

“We’re pleased to continue our work with Sported and we value the vital support they provide to so many, especially when times are tough.”