Political candidates asked to commit to 20 pledges for island sport

The Jersey Sports Council is asking political candidates to commit to a 'Manifesto For Sport.'

It's worked with its member bodies to compile 20 demands, after what it calls an overwhelming lack of engagement from politicians.

Candidates are being asked to pledge commitment to some or all of the demands that, if elected, they will work towards and support.

Amongst them is supporting the creation and delivery of a 'clear, island‑wide government policy for sport' that 'treats Sport as integral to health, education, community development and the economy, and not simply as an afterthought.'

It asks for stronger Government engagement with airlines and ferry operators to improve schedules, fare transparency and group discounts. The manifesto suggests 'one‑ticket' options for teams and free carriage of sports equipment.

It calls for support of the continuation of a dedicated Minister for Sport - asking specifically for 'someone who understands and champions sport’s social, health and economic value.'

Candidates are asked to acknowledge that 'travel costs and connectivity now significantly limit sport’s development.' And to consider supporting a 'substantial increase in the Sports Travel Grant budget (towards £1m per year)' and 'better‑targeted' financial support for off‑island competition and training.

Additionally, candidates are asked to push for more affordable facilities and for the government to open, maintain, subsidise them, not displace sports from existing sites.

It asks for 'better resourced' talent pathways, and 'substantial' capital investment in community sports facilities, targeting around £80 - £100 million over several years.

Volunteer-run clubs are also asked to be given stronger administrative support. 

Ian Cuming, Chair of the Jersey Sports Council, says:

"We represent 42 different sports bodies on the island. There is about 17,000 adults and 5,500 youngsters who participate in the sports with these bodies. That is about 23,000 people - about a fifth of the population.

"We're coming up to a general election, and our concern is that sport hasn't really been part of the discussion."

The council says it will keep an updated 'scorecard' of candidates' responses on its website that voters can refer to when they're choosing who might best represent their interests.