The Youth Sport Trust has issued a response following reports that the restrictions on grassroots sport will be lifted when lockdown ends, welcoming the impact it will have on young people's wellbeing.

Ali Oliver MBE, Chief Executive of the Youth Sport Trust said: 

It is excellent news for young people’s wellbeing that outdoor grassroots sport will be permitted to resume from 2 December. We are pleased government has ensured restrictions on grassroots sport are among the first to be lifted. Great credit should go to leading organisations across the sector who have kept up the momentum on this important issue.

“This second national lockdown, like the first, will have caused an inevitable decline in levels of physical activity which were already too low. Playing sport and keeping active can help pave the road to recovery for a generation of children who have seen the most extraordinary disruption to their lives and education this year. 

“It will now be important to ensure community clubs have the clear guidance and targeted support they need to get youth sport back up and running as quickly and safely as possible. Community clubs are vital to young people fully experiencing and enjoying the life-enriching benefits of sport. This is why we are supporting calls from the sport sector for a recovery fund to protect grassroots sport, ensuring they can afford to re-open and play their part in the young people’s recovery.”