Cost of living: Kit expense stops children playing sport, say coaches

The cost of equipment is stopping children from taking part in sport, according to teachers and coaches.

Now grassroots clubs are calling for support to help youngsters who cannot afford kits.

Coach Jason Cooke said some youngsters were not getting involved because their families were "struggling to even put food on the table".

The Welsh government said grants were available to help disadvantaged families buy kit.

"We are asking parents to come forward if they are struggling, but not many are doing it because they are embarrassed," said Mr Cooke, of Tylorstown RFC, Rhondda Cynon Taf.

Ysgol Glantaf, in Cardiff, is helping pupils with kits as some parents grapple with the cost of living.

Teacher, sports commentator and former Welsh football international, Gwennan Harries, said: "We're maybe fairly fortunate because of the school's catchment area.

"But you still see that some pupils can't afford to attend clubs."

Equipment for some sports was expensive, Ms Harries said, adding that participation in sports with lower costs was not affected.

"But for some of the hockey activities for example, there are less who take part as it requires loads of equipment and that significantly affects how many participate," she added.

A poor diet also affected children's performance, Ms Harries said.

Clubs across the UK said they had seen funding cut in the last six months.

A third said they had no government or council support.

The Geraint Thomas Cycling Trust, which helps people get involved in cycling, is funding a project to help disabled young people, young carers and those in deprived areas.

Spokesman Owen Hathaway said: "It's a life skill to get on a bike. And not only does it give kids confidence for their fitness but it gives them a way to travel from one place to another and to make friends and so on."

The Welsh government said that providing free school meals was a priority.

It said there was a grant available for disadvantaged families to claim help to buy sports equipment and kit.

Grassroots sports charity Sported UK said almost two thirds of 38 clubs it surveyed in Wales had subsidised equipment and kit for young people.

Each club engaged about 70 young people.

Some Welsh community sports groups said they had seen a drop in young people taking part.

Half had cut membership fees or provided free membership.