As the summer ends and a new academic year begins, we can look back with pride at the spectacle our region put on for the Commonwealth Games, as well as the achievements of our Lioness in winning Euro 2022. Sport is often a great tool for bringing people together and inspiring pride, as well as providing a boost to children for whom participation in sport can develop good habits.
Physical Education remains an important part of the curriculum, and the benefits of children being active include self-discipline, developing leadership skills, better concentration and good mental well-being. In the last academic year schools across England benefitted from £320m in the PE and Sport Premium, and last year the Department for Education pledged a further £30m for improving school sports facilities and PE teaching.
The success of the England Women’s Football Team in winning Euro 2022 shows just how far the women’s game has evolved. Whilst boys playing football will have dreams of being the next Harry Kane or Raheem Sterling, it should be just as natural for girls growing up wanting to be the next Leah Williamson or Chloe Kelly. The FA have ambitions to give girls equal access to football in schools and clubs by 2024, and I know the Government will be working to help them achieve this.
Whilst Team England couldn’t quite knock the Aussies off their perch in the Commonwealth Games medal table, all our competitors did us proud, and it was fantastic to see so many spectators of all ages packing out the venues and making it a Games to remember. It will leave a sporting legacy and inspire participation in sports that don’t' always receive prominent coverage.
Finally, I’m sure you will join me in wishing all our children and their teachers well as they settle down for another year at school, and let’s hope our area can produce sporting stars of the future who will succeed at a high level and make us proud.
This article first appeared in the Halesowen & Dudley News on 8th September 2022.
