Sport consultation: summary of responses

A summary of the public responses to a three-month consultation on the future of sport in Jersey has been published.

 

Throughout March, April and May this year Islanders were able to submit their views or answer a questionnaire that focussed on the main issues facing people who participate in, organise or watch sport in the Island. Sporting clubs and organisations in the island were invited to take part.

 

A total of 532 responses were received from clubs or individuals. 490 replies were via an online survey on the States website or using a reply card with the same survey. As well as answering four key questions, 339 people made additional comments or suggestions in the space provided. 

 

Separate written submissions were also received by post or email from 42 contributors. The majority were on behalf of sports clubs or organisations and a number were from private individuals.

 

 

The survey responses show:

The next step in the process will be to draw up a Sport Strategy document, which will be completed later this year. Alongside this there are likely to be further investigations into the various sport organising bodies that exist in other jurisdictions.
 

ESC's Assistant Minister with responsibility for sport, Deputy Roy Le Herissier, said “I have been impressed by the quality of the comments people have taken the time to send in. There is obviously considerable strength of feeling on this subject and I would like to thank everyone who contributed or took the time to attend a meeting.

 

"As you would expect, the department regularly receives feedback from the sporting community so we already had some idea of what people felt the key issues were.  We needed a public consultation to find out whether there was any appetite for change. The responses show that people very much appreciate the strengths of our system but also recognise that there are areas where change is required.”

 

 

Fourteen focus groups were held as part of the consultation to enable in-depth discussions on particular subjects. These included aquatic facilities, artificial grass pitches, sporting events and school sport. Summaries of the discussions are included in the report.

 

The Head of Sport and Youth at ESC, Derek De La Haye, added “One of the clearest conclusions from the responses we received is that Jersey people really value sport or physical activity and appreciate what it can add, not just to their own lives, but also to the benefit of the wider community.

 

"We have talented sports people in Jersey and also some very skilled organisers and enthusiastic volunteers leading sport in the Island. I’m glad they have been engaged in the consultation. All their views will be used to help formulate a new Sport Strategy for Jersey.”