Sometimes planting a small seed might produce the most extraordinary harvest. Sometimes, a simple idea might create incredible opportunities to boost our confidence, reduce social isolation and strengthen our relationships.

It all started rather spontaneously in a local park two years ago. A net, a couple of balls, Mariusz; dedicated coach with passion for sport, and a group of people, who wanted to socialise and play volleyball. Who would have thought that a year later, this idea literally transformed so many lives? Weekly training sessions, eagerness to set up a club, frequent travelling to watch and play competitive games. Moreover, this project helped people to build new friendships and empowered many to spend their time actively! In spite of some venue difficulties, lack of adequate infrastructure, this initiative “ticks” all the right boxes; it is simply fabulous!

The Polish Saturday School in Welwyn Garden City played an important part by accessing funding to help Mariusz gain appropriate qualifications. What a story! A few weeks ago, the club was visited by a Director from Herts Sport and Physical Activity, who popped in to say hi and see the players in action.

Also quite recently, the Polish Saturday School in Welwyn Garden City has received an ‘outstanding achievement award’ for its sporting activities. Sporting activities the school has offered over the years include dance, boxing, karate and health MOT days, working with coaches from Poland, Romania and Portugal.

But why is it important? It is really fantastic to see that the grassroots sport can make such a difference. Sport teaches us determination, stamina, willingness and enhances our ability to dream. By playing our favourite sport we work on our motivation, self-discipline, organisation; overall we feel more confident, we are often in a better mood. However, it is important to acknowledge that many of the sport activities are not always affordable to many parents. The parent investment needed to support our children to play sport is significant and effectively, it has increased during the cost of living crisis. In my view, the government, at the local and national level, as well as sporting bodies, should focus and prioritise supporting activities, which can help to create a long lasting physical and wellbeing change in our neighbourhoods.

Furthermore, as a migrant from Poland, who remembers well an overall very good sports infrastructure in Eastern Europe even during communism, I find the state of the conditions in which our children have to take e.g. PE lessons, especially in primary schools, quite shocking. This also needs urgent attention.

Let’s continue working with our key partners to create an environment where all students can thrive and achieve their full potential, also through sport and physical activity.

* Michal Siewniak is a Lib Dem activist and councillor for Handside ward, Welwyn Hatfield.