'Sport is vital for our mental and physical well-being'

MS for North Wales

Sport in North Wales

Throughout North Wales, sport is vital for our mental and physical well-being, it brings communities, friends and families together, and for some, it simply gives purpose.

It’s a travesty that many people across my region do not have access to quality sporting facilities. Many of our aspiring sportsmen and women have to travel many hours to take part, while sadly, some can’t compete at all.

It’s clear that when it comes to investment in sport, North Wales is forgotten about by the Welsh Labour Government. With our population getting close to 1 million people, it is extremely disappointing that we have just one fully professional sports team.

When looking at rugby there are four professional regional teams in South Wales, but there's yet to be a fully professional team here in North Wales. Many players and athletes will often see these barriers and will either stop competing or will move across the border to compete in those activities, bad for sport, health and our economy.

Another prime example is swimming. Elite swimmers in my region continue to be put at disadvantage by not having access to an Olympic size pool, meaning extensive travel for those who need it.

North Wales is also at times left behind when it comes to access for spectators and fans. We continue to see big Welsh sporting events played in South Wales. Why can’t our national football and rugby team play at the brilliant Racecourse Ground in Wrexham?

Now is the time for the Welsh Government to work with our Local Authorities and sporting bodies to ensure people across North Wales are not forgotten about when it comes to sport.

These are our future sporting stars, the ones who will win us the six nations, European championships, Olympic medals or will even become crown green bowls champions. Let’s do all that we can to help them excel!

Please feel free to contact me by emailing sam.rowlands@senedd.wales or calling on 0300 200 7267.