Facilities

What did our research with the sector conclude?

The following comments, gathered as part of the 2024 research study, reflect the range of perspectives expressed by participants.

• "Community organisations providing affordable sporting opportunities for ethnically diverse communities feel frustrated that local facilities, like schools, remain unaffordable or difficult to access."
• "The presence of Pride flags and supportive signage in sports facilities makes a visible difference and fosters a sense of safety."
• "Disadvantaged groups have less access to facilities and coaching"
• "With limited facilities and no strategic allocation of what is available, the most vulnerable groups constantly miss out"
• "By its nature, performance sport requires significant investment of time, money, support and access to great facilities and coaching. For some people, all of those things are out of reach"
• "One example of a barrier to inclusion my communities are constantly faced with is that all of their local sports facilities are schools based. They are only available for community use for limited times, usually 6-9pm weekday evenings and only a few available at restricted weekend hours. This is only during school term times unless the school has an evening event or uses a hall for exams when clubs are not permitted access, often at short notice"
• "Then there are SGBs who continue to place barriers to inclusion that inclusive clubs find difficult to overcome for the benefit of their members, e.g. athlete classifications, equipment, accessible facilities etc."
• "Consistently looking at our facilities and procedures to make our environments as inclusive as possible for different user groups."
• "Not all facilities are accessible"
• "I feel as though many sports centres have become more accessible, there are more clubs/teams which are dedicated to breaking barriers and ensuring everyone is included."

Barriers

Inaccessibility of local facilities - A key finding from the Sporting Equals led consultation was that Community Organisations who are providing affordable sporting opportunities for ethnically diverse communities feel frustrated that there are conveniently local facilities that are not being used, such as schools, but are difficult or still too expensive to access.

Layout of spaces - The layout of facilities often do not meet the needs of all groups, for example, trans and non-binary people, woman and girls and disabled people. This could be because of binary, open-plan changing facilities and showers, lack of individual changing facilities or the layout of equipment. For example, the common layout of gyms by grouping all types of weights together creates a male-dominated area of the facility, which is often found to be intimidating.

Lack of information - There is often a lack of information about accessibility of different facilities, transportation (finding transport to and from sports facilities) and cost implications. This is particularly important for those with specific space needs such as those living with disabilities.

Geographic spread - Sporting facilities are more widely available in urban than in rural areas, making them more difficult to access for some. In the Highland context for instance, the geographical spread of quality facilities together with the supply and timing of transport remain significant issues.

What we can do about it

Co-production:

• Inclusive decision-making - Actively listen to and collaborate with members from different disadvantaged groups, such as those who live with disabilities, trans people, people from ethnically diverse communities and involve them in decision-making processes for making spaces more accessible.

Provide upfront information around accessibility

• Accessibility Information - Include detailed information on websites and in facilities to improve confidence. This should include information about the changing facilities, prayer spaces, baby changing spaces and any other relevant information.

Address practical barriers

• Promote accessibility - ensure sports facilities are accessible to all, including those with mobility issues or other health conditions (through ramps, seating, transport options), and ensure that appropriate equipment is available, such as lightweight or low-impact options.
• Safe environments - take steps to alleviate the fears people may have around participating in sport, for example through soft flooring when working with older adults to reduce risk of injury and regular supervision to ensure quick assistance when discomfort or pain is experienced.
• Into the community - physically accessing sports facilities is difficult for some as they may rely on public transport (which comes at a cost), or they may not have time to travel the necessary distance after / before work. Think about ways of bringing your expertise into the community for local engagement sessions at accessible locations.
• Changing areas - where possible, provide inclusive occupancy changing rooms that are accessible for everyone (with locks).
• Designated spaces - where possible/appropriate, try to ensure that sports facilities accommodate different religious needs through, for example, prayer spaces.