Grassroots sport will be among the first things to return in the wake of the second national lockdown in England, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden has pledged.
The Government had been under pressure to keep some grassroots sport going, especially at youth level, but refused to back down when the lockdown came into force on Thursday.
And Dowden was pressed on the subject in the House of Commons on Thursday morning by MP Shaun Bailey.
“I know that football clubs large and small make a huge contribution to their community on and off the pitch,” Dowden said.
“And I can assure my honourable friend they won’t be forgotten. As soon as we’re in a position to start lifting restrictions, grassroots sports will be one of the first to return.
“But until then we have made sure that families can keep exercising throughout the lockdown so I would urge people to get out and get fit.”
Dowden also said that swimming pools, gyms and golf courses would be “at the front of the queue to return when these restrictions expire”.
