P-06-1526 Save Grassroots Sports – Welsh Government Must Step In! - Correspondence from the Petitioner to the Committee, 22 September 2025

Further Commentary on Petition 246573: Save Grassroots Sports – Welsh Government Must Step In

The minister’s response fails to acknowledge the real-world impact of the proposed 75% increase in pitch fees on grassroots sport. Community clubs operate on tight budgets, and such a hike would inevitably be passed on to players and families — increasing household costs and risking a decline in participation. This is not hypothetical; it’s already happening.

While the minister points to Sports Wales funding, this is not a reliable safety net. Our club applied for a Sports Wales Facilities Grant this year and was refused. The process lacks transparency and consistency, and many clubs are left without support. The system is arbitrary and does not reflect the urgent cost pressures we face.

Beyond pitch fees, clubs are grappling with rising energy bills, maintenance costs, staffing, and the collapse of traditional income streams from social clubs and trading arms. These financial pressures are cumulative and unsustainable. The minister’s response does not address this broader context.

Grassroots sport is not a luxury — it’s a vital part of community life, public health, and youth development. If local authorities cannot afford to maintain facilities without passing on unaffordable costs, then the Welsh Government must intervene. Emergency funding and a long-term strategy are essential to protect the future of community sport.