Cllr Philip Doggart
Scottish Conservative and Unionist Councillor for Colinton/ Fairmilehead ward
@PhilipDoggart
Moving out of lockdown has been a disaster for sport, particularly youth sport, in the city.
Too many facilities remained closed for longer than was necessary. The governing bodies of many sports worked hard to create safe return to play guidelines. Many of these guidelines were set up for young people to return to their favourite activities.
While the independent school sector established a return to school sport from August, including competitive fixtures where appropriate, no plans were put in place by the Council to do the same until after half-term.
Despite this, Cllr Doggart is still receiving complaints from parents and coaches about the availability of sports activity for young people across the city. In addition, full community access to all facilities is still not in place, which would be a great assistance to everyone in the city that wants to get active and keep fit.
Since the ending of the severest restrictions, Phil has been in contact with coaches, club officials and camp organisers to identify ways in which the young people of the city will not be left behind for access to sporting activity. Phil said, "We have a responsibility to provide what we can to minimise the physical and emotional damage of continuing restrictions. Sadly, despite the valiant efforts of many volunteers, the city is still someway short of what we could achieve."
Phil continued, "I have raised the availability of sports provision in the city’s schools and facility access at Council Leader’s question time and with officers. I will continue to do that to ensure all our young people can have access to what is needed."
