Smith: Grassroots Sports Trust can help youngsters of all ages and ability

Speaking as the Scottish Parliament debated 'Contribution of Sport to Scotland' today, Liz Smith MSP, Scottish Conservative Education Spokesperson, said:

"If we were to speak to the many Scottish sports stars – men and women from many different parts of the country and from many different backgrounds –they will tell you that sport has given them so much, but they also share the belief in the importance of grassroots support when you are just starting out on a sporting journey.

"That support is as important as anything in sport and we need to do far more in Scotland to ensure that we broaden the grassroots support available. This could be in the form of more qualified coaches, greater use of the nation's sporting facilities, the provision of more equipment, helping with transport costs or more supervision of our young people.

"It does not matter whether you aspire to be an Olympic champion or someone who simply enjoys a little sport for occasional relaxation and leisure. Grassroots support cannot be underestimated in terms of setting people out on the right track, and this is especially true for young children. If they can benefit from the right support at an early age, they are far more likely to succeed. They are also far more likely to be well focused and well-rounded human beings.

"That is why the Scottish Conservatives have worked with Gavin Hastings to establish a Grassroots Sports Trust – an independent charitable trust run on the basis of supporting communities when it comes to making available more opportunities for youngsters in areas where there has been too little activity.

"In these difficult economic times, a key facility of the Trust would be the ability for businesses, philanthropists or other groups to have the opportunity to put something back into their communities and help do what they can to inspire greater physical activity amongst our young people."

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