Lose 'no ball games' signs to get nation moving - MPs

Lose 'no ball games' signs to get nation moving - MPsImage source, Getty ImagesByDan RoanSports editorPublished10 minutes agoMaking PE a core subject in schools and removing unnecessary 'no ball games' signs are among the recommendations in a new report looking at barriers to sport and physical activity in England.The Culture, Media and Sport Committee report highlights "persistent financial pressure, limited facilities, a lack of prioritisation in the school curriculum, and an absence of national co-ordination that prevents the system from operating effectively".It calls for a cross-government strategy to deliver a healthier nation, and an increase in funding to boost participation in local communities.The MPs want spending on sport and recreation to go from the current 0.3% of total government expenditure to at least 0.6% over the next 10 years, claiming that "funding for school and community sport is insufficient and increasingly unstable".They also recommend that PE is granted the same status as English, mathematics and science in schools.Their Game On report, external also calls for women's football to be exempt from the long-standing restrictions on broadcasting the sport on Saturday afternoons, saying it was "key to inspiring activity" and that ministers should "intervene in discussions" between the football authorities.In England and Scotland, no matches are currently shown during the '3pm blackout' slot - 2.45pm-5:15pm - to encourage attendance at games."Evidence shows that when women's sport is regularly broadcast, especially on free‑to‑air TV, girls are more likely to feel inspired and motivated to be active," the report claims."A dedicated broadcast slot for women's football would provide consistent coverage, grow audiences and challenge persistent gender stereotypes."Committee chair Dame Caroline Dinenage MP said: "We're a country of sport...