AM praises Llanelli action on women’s sport

Keith Davies AM has said today in the Senedd that 2013 has been a prominent year for women’s sport in Llanelli.

In late summer, Llanelli played host to several games of the UEFA Women’s Under 19 Championships in West Wales, played at two Llanelli stadiums. Keith Davies was present to watch the opening and final matches.

Mr Davies has met with Sport Wales to hear about their ‘What Moves You?’ campaign – a ‘no pressure’ approach targeted at encouraging women and girls to get into sport.

Carmarthenshire is one of the four Local Authorities involved and sporting opportunities are offered in Llanelli Leisure Centre. Earlier in the summer Keith Davies was pleased to donate footballs to local girls’ teams.

Welcoming the recent Sport Wales schools survey, which showed a positive rise in participation levels amongst young people in general, he asked the Welsh Sports Minister how to ensure that girls in Llanelli can go further and increase participation levels alongside those of boys.

Speaking after his contribution, Keith Davies AM said:

“I was delighted to see Llanelli and West Wales hosting the UEFA Women’s Championships this summer. It gave a great opportunity for us to showcase our world class facilities. I also particularly welcome the Minister’s comments about an increase in the number of registered female football players in Wales.”

“The schools survey reflects positive developments in Wales – with the number of boys and girls between 7-16 years old taking part in sport rising by almost 50%, and increased participation amongst girls. However we can continue with this year’s momentum to ensure that girls’ sports remain prominent on our agenda in Llanelli so we can close the gap with boys’ sports.”

“There are some excellent local examples of how we can increase participation amongst girls. I’m aware Coleg Sir Gar operates a loyalty card scheme which offers female students kit and equipment. This weekend I look forward to visiting Llanelli Leisure Centre to see the very successful Netball Development Centre and the other schemes they have in operation.”

“I met with Sport Wales to hear about their campaign which seeks to break the common barriers to sport by offering diverse and varied sporting opportunities, including zumba classes and back2hockey in the Centre.”

Responding to the question, the Minister for Culture and Sport, John Griffiths AM said:

“I attended of course the UEFA women’s football event and I must say very enjoyable and impressive it was.”

“There are now about 6000 registered women and girl football players in Wales, and as of 6 or so years ago that figure was only 4000 so we are seeing substantial progress. I would also agree with the Member that the school sports survey of Sport Wales shows encouraging progress, but there is still much to be done.”

“The schemes that the Member mentions I think are important and useful but what Sport Wales are about now is working more strongly with the range of partners. I think the ‘What Moves You?’ campaign is important in terms of tackling barriers to girls taking part in sport but it is by working with a range of partners that we will make the progress that we would all like to see.”