THE Warrington School Sport Partnership (WSSP) is urging local people to join a campaign to save sport in the town’s schools in the wake of the Coalition Government’s comprehensive spending review
Every school in Warrington, including Priestley College and Warrington Collegiate, is involved in WSSP, which provides a wide range of opportunities for young people across the borough.
These include about 120 competitions and festivals per year, after school clubs, specialist coaching, holiday activities, talent camps and support for young people to get involved in leadership and volunteering.
WSSP has also obtained about £300,000 additional funding for school sport by working in partnership and successfully bidding for grants from agencies such as the Big Lottery and Sport England.
Education Secretary Michael Gove says the changes in the comprehensive spending review – due to be implemented next April – do not represent cuts because individual schools will receive funds directly to spend as they wish.
But there is no guarantee any of the money will be spent on sport.
Currently, £162 million is spent each year on school sport – including funding for 450 School Sport Partnerships, including WSSP.
A Facebook Group (Save School Sport Partnerships) has been established and will be used as the basis for a national petition.
Warrington people can help to save WSSP by showing their support or by contacting their local school’s primary link teacher or school sport co-ordinator.
To find out more about Warrington School Sport Partnerships visit www.wassp.net
