Author Archives: John Thomason

Brexit’s potential impact on sport

By John Thomason | Mon 30th May 2016 - 11:44 am

There have been a number of voices over recent months hinting at the negative impact that Brexit could have on British sport. Earlier this year BBC Sport analysis suggested that 332 players in the top two divisions of English football, plus the Scottish Premiership, would be at risk by a Leave vote – a view backed up by Karen Brady from Stronger In a letter that she sent to all of the professional football teams in England, Scotland and Wales in January. Similarly, she hinted at the impact on competition and travelling fans – something relevant not just in football, but in the two rugby codes, both of which have commitments in European club competition on a regular basis – and I say that as a fan of a rugby league team that got beaten 44-16 by a team from Toulouse at the weekend!

Whilst football and rugby, with their European dimension, would be hit at professional level, it is the grassroots impact on sport that is perhaps more significant.

Posted in Op-eds | Tagged eu referendum and sport | 16 Comments

Cautious welcome for new sports strategy

By John Thomason | Mon 21st December 2015 - 12:41 pm

On Thursday the government launched Sporting Future: A New Strategy for an Active Nation, their response to a consultation earlier in the year on the future of sport and physical activity.

Sport is something that I’m passionate about, and the power of sport, if harnessed, can be tremendous. It can unify communities, bringing people together whose views might otherwise be poles apart.

Additionally sport has wider implications. It encourages discipline, team work and builds confidence. It can provide skills and experience that are directly transferable to the workplace. And, above all, it promotes and encourages healthy lifestyle choices.