what is so difficult about providing adequate local sports facilities...

[onebigchocolatemess]

if its not dilapidated changing rooms, its rusting goal posts without nets, pot holed car parks and years of neglect. Is it just me, or is anyone else uninspired to drag their children to local clubs in your precious little free time when they are so obviously rubbish?!?

Am trying to be encourage them away from the tv to be good and healthy - news years resolution - but they don't make it easy!!

Today we spent the best part of an hour on a litter strewn pitch with goal posts that looked like they would collapse if a ball hit them (luckily the kids were not that good)

came away quite depressed

and exhale....

Well, Pele had nothing and learned to play football barefoot with an orange. So me'thinks unless you want your council tax raised, and frankly kids can play anywhere with anything, I'd rather it was spent on more useful things.

I guess it depends what sports you take part in..?

Seeing as most of them are run by the council, and the council are being forced to make cuts, it's not surprising really. It's sad though.

It is sad. I totally agree kitchenroll

I would obviously rather we had a working NHS. Just wish it had been a higher priority for our kids future. Don't blame my boys for getting bored and wanting to watch Cars 2 instead.

Didn't let them, obviously

The fault lie swith a lack of money and the attitude of people using the facilities, obviously the council haven't paid for new goal posts, however the council are not the ones that scattered the pitch with litter. As has been said above when cuts are being made things like sports facilities will be low on the list of priorities, but we could all help by looking after what we have.

you are right nancy

am googling local opportunities to help out

I see visions of Clapham and brooms aloft in my future....

Does anyone actually do this already?

My local woodland/park has a friends of "name of local area group", they meet once a month and clear litter, cut back overhanging stuff and do general maintenance, my dd'd school is next to the park so we do all try to get involved.

Try looking for "friends of local park" (whatever it's called).

I used to be on the management committee of a community sports hall. It was a thankless task - some lettings are easy (everyone wants to do yoga or zumba between 7 and 8, say), but so many other slots were a nightmare to fill. And it was a self-perpetuating nightmare - no money for publicity/leaflet drops or a proper admin person, so fewer lettings, so no money for publicity/admin etc. And yes, teams leaving the changing rooms in a complete state etc. I don't know what the answer is.