Part of the debate – in the Scottish Parliament at on 28 November 2023.
Yes, I agree. Allowing that to happen does not show the equitable approach that we need to have to all sports—especially one that is as important and key as hockey.
The investment that I was talking about cannot be a one-off. Just as the best laid plans have multiyear targets, sports and exercise need multiyear funding so that we can improve certainty in delivery. Local authorities, which are responsible for much of the targeted spend, must be more accountable for meeting sports and physical activity targets.
Of course, ideally, a love of sports or simply of experiencing the benefits of physical exercise should be instilled in us when we are young. Physical education and games in schools should not be an afterthought. As our children grow older there should, when they reach 15, 16 and 17, be a concerted effort to encourage girls in particular to keep fit and healthy. That can extend beyond playing a sport: there could be opportunities for coaching.
We need to change the narrative around sport: it is not just for those who are good at it. Although there is a place for competitive sport—that should always be encouraged—for most people, sports and exercise should be about having fun, clearing the head and keeping healthy.
However, we cannot ignore what young women experience when participating in sports at school. According to the Young Women’s Movement, 74 per cent of young women who were surveyed say that their body image had stopped them from engaging in sports or exercise activities. They describe feeling vulnerable, exposed and scrutinised by boys in mixed sports classes. There is a case that teenage girls in particular would benefit from women-only spaces.
Finally, I would like to focus on an area that is of particular importance to me as a GP. SAMH—Scottish Action for Mental Health—is calling for an expansion of the GP links worker programme to help to improve knowledge and access to exercise referral schemes. Community links workers provide general practices and patients with invaluable support. I fully agree that they do much to encourage physical activity, in particular within marginalised communities and among women who are in the menopause life stage and would benefit from a personalised approach to mental wellbeing and physical activity.
Investing in participation by girls and women of all ages in sports and exercise will contribute to a healthier Scotland in terms of physical wellbeing and fostering confidence. The benefits far surpass any costs. By providing a diverse range of opportunities, we can ensure inclusivity and recognise the needs of individuals, be they teenage girls or much older women. I fully support efforts and initiatives that champion the cause of female investment and involvement in sports, so let us reap the rewards of stronger, more vibrant communities.