Scottish Squash welcomes government commitment to increase funding for sports

We are delighted with the Scottish Government’s decision this week to significantly increase sports funding in the coming year, with a clear focus on supporting the work of governing bodies.

Scottish Squash worked closely with many other sports as part of Sports Governing Bodies CEO/COO Forum over the last year on developing and executing the powerful Running on Empty campaign to persuade the Government to honour its commitment to double annual funding for sport.

Many sports organisations, including ourselves, have faced enormous financial challenges over the last few years in light of rising costs and standstill Government funding. This increase in funding will help many of us to begin addressing some of those issues.

The aim of Running on Empty was to demonstrate the impact that the effective cut in funding over the last few years has had on us all on our ability to operate day to day. And it worked.

But it was also a highly effective way of showcasing the positive power of sport to deliver better public health outcomes, vital community programmes and support top level athletes in all sports.

The Running on Empty message about investing in sport clearly cut through. We are delighted the Government listened and responded to us, and those we partnered with to make it happen.

Our work isn’t done. This is an election year, and we want to continue to use our collective voice to ensure that all parties commit to investing in sport.

It was an added bonus to see the Government show its commitment to sport by announcing plans for a Summer of Sport. Hopefully this will enable us to accelerate our work ensuring that sport plays a positive role in the lives of everyone in Scotland and we look forward to seeing more details.