News Item
University expert calls for urgent new national sport strategy after the London 2012 Olympic Games
8 August 2012
Plymouth University historian Professor Kevin Jefferys argues for a reinvigorated national sporting policy after the London 2012 Olympic Games.
The Sport Think Tank contributor reiterated the need for a coherent, coordinated and centrally-led UK sporting strategy, calling on the government to use the momentum gained from Team GB’s success as a springboard for the change.
Speaking exclusively to Podium, Jefferys said: “There is a head of steam building at the moment calling for a national campaign for improved school sports, formed from Team GB’s success, but work is needed on sport policy.
“My view is based on the past evidence that sport policy is quite disjointed as a result of how it is organised, so my main call is for a much more integrative sport strategy to join up the dots, from community sport all the way to elite sport.”
Jefferys called for this strategy in a History and Policy paper published just before the Olympics, but feels that with Great Britain’s success at London 2012 the need has increased. He said: “After the Olympic Games it will be a now or never moment for sport policy. If this success can’t be capitalised upon now then it could slip dramatically. There are real hopes and fears looking ahead.”
The Professor proposed a possible link between London 2012 and the future sports policy, putting forward a case for a high profile government ambassador for sport policy with one key figure in mind:
“Prime Ministers typically have varying interest in sport policy, which causes fluctuations. An ambassador could keep things on track. Dare I say it, if Lord Coe were prepared to take another major role, he would be perfect.”
The historian commented that the structure of UK sport policy has slipped since the Conservative party took power, saying: “There was a coordinated sport policy with New Labour until 2010 – it is now much more disjointed. We need a wholesale national sports strategy; I’ve been arguing this for some time.”
Professor Jefferys intends to re-launch his campaign for such a sports strategy with the Sport Think Tank soon as the future of UK sport becomes the subject on everyone’s lips after the London 2012 closing ceremony.
You can see Professor Jefferys’ policy papers on History and Policy at www.historyandpolicy.org/.
By Ruth Faulkner
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Comments
First step should be to commit to a strategy which embraces both grassroots and elite sport - not either/or, but both.
The Government could show commitment WITHOUT extra spending, by demonstrating the one quality which seems to be lacking, ie the political will to use better, what we already have. So they could immediately:
(1) Insist that the Teaching Agency stop sitting on its hands and acknowledge the damage which is being done, by their lack of action, ie allowing so many teacher training providers to pay lip service to primary school physical education. More than 60% of primary trainees receive less than 6 hours preparation to teach physical education - a national scandal. Yet some providers so manage to do a good job and their newly qualified primary school teachers deliver good quality physical education. if they can do it, all can, and should be expected to do so. Our political leaders can and should require this simple measure to be taken - and no extra cost.
(2) Require Ofsted to inspect and report on curriculum time physical education and out of hours sport, in all achool inspections. This would ensure that school leaders take it seriously, provide sufficient curriculum time and invest in professional development for both teachers and coaches.
(3) Conduct a review of initial training for specialist physical education teachers - long overdue - toward a 21st century curriculum, to establish quality physical education which our children and young people need and deserve.
These measures would cost NO extra funding, and result in systemic improvement which would benefit every child in the school system. They would also enable teachers to work more effectively with coaches and instructors to enrich the offer to children, hence also building better links with local clubs.
ALL IT WOULD TAKE IS THE POLITICAL WILL.
Posted by Margaret Talbot, President, ICSSPE on 9th August 2012