The following amendments have been selected: amendment 1 in the name of Lesley Griffiths, and amendments 2 and 3 in the name of Siân Gwenllian. If amendment 1 is agreed, amendments 2 and 3 will be deselected.

Item 6 is the next item, and that's a debate by the Welsh Conservatives on sport, and I call on Tom Giffard to move the motion.

Motion NDM7712 Darren Millar

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Recognises the growth and interest in Welsh sporting teams on the international stage.

2. Believes that the Welsh Government should build upon Wales’s recent sporting achievements by working with the UK Government to attract major sporting events to Wales, recognising the significant benefits of such events for the Welsh economy and the regeneration of local communities.

3. Further calls on the Welsh Government to inspire the next generation of sporting excellence, and promote participation in sport to improve people’s mental and physical well-being by:

a) establishing a Welsh talent sporting fund to support talented Welsh athletes to succeed on the world stage;

b) creating a community sport bounce back fund to help community clubs to rebuild following the COVID-19 pandemic;

c) improving access to sport facilities including establishing a larger network of 3G and 4G synthetic turf pitches throughout Wales;

d) introducing a network of Welsh sports ambassadors to encourage young people to participate in sport and other physical activities; and

e) enabling free access to local authority gyms and leisure centres for young people in Wales.

Motion moved.

Diolch yn fawr iawn, Llywydd, and it's a real pleasure for me to open this debate today, tabled in the name of Darren Millar. And what a time it is to be debating this topic, with our recent sporting successes and Wales playing in the Euros this afternoon—and I, like you, Llywydd, hope we finish in time today to catch the kick-off of the match against Turkey. The last few years have shown that perhaps there's never been a better time to be a fan of Welsh sport. 

Sport is one of the few things in our country, and even in this Chamber, that has the power to unite us all. I'm sure that Members from across the Senedd celebrated with enthusiasm when Kieffer Moore scored his equaliser on Saturday against Switzerland, because watching Wales is a communal experience that makes us proud of who we are and proud to be Welsh. We see ourselves in our sporting heroes, our shared experiences, our love of our country and our determination to succeed. 

But these are the same reasons why people across Wales celebrated when Andy Murray won Wimbledon, or Rory McIlroy wins a golf major, or when Mo Farah wins an Olympic gold for team GB. Because we see ourselves in these sporting heroes too. Because people in Wales are also very proud to be British; we see our British identity in these athletes, and those shared experiences and values I mentioned earlier. Because we understand that we can be both proud to be Welsh and British, and that's no contradiction.

But the reason this debate has been submitted today isn't just to revel in our sporting success; it's to recognise the benefits of sport in our society, our economy and our everyday lives. The economic case for investing in sport is very clear. Recent research conducted by the Sport Industry Research Centre at Sheffield Hallam University found that for every £1 invested in sport in Wales, there is a return of £2.88, whilst major events held in the Millennium Stadium alone are estimated to boost the Welsh economy by £32 million every year in Welsh economic output, with £11 million of this being gross value added, as well as the role it plays in supporting jobs in the supply chain.

It's disappointing, therefore, that the Welsh Labour Government hasn't fully realised Wales's economic and sporting potential. For example, the Welsh Government decided not to progress with a bid for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, despite the Welsh Government's own feasibility study outlining many benefits to our economy, such as the creation of additional jobs and income for Welsh businesses, which are things that Glasgow benefited from when they hosted the 2014 games.

But it's not just in elite sport that we see the benefits of proper investment. The Welsh NHS spends about £35 million each year treating preventable diseases caused by physical inactivity. So, that's why we want to see increased investment in participation in sport in our communities across Wales. That's why we're calling in our motion today to invest in a larger network of 3G and 4G pitches throughout Wales, and our ask to enable free access to local authority gyms and leisure centres for young people. That should mean that the people of Wales have access to good-quality sporting facilities in their areas and communities, regardless of their skill level or postcode.

Our motion also calls for the Welsh Government to build the sporting excellence of tomorrow in Wales by establishing a Welsh talent sporting fund to support talented Welsh athletes on the world stage, and a network of Welsh sports ambassadors to encourage young people into sport. Because unless we invest in our sporting heroes today, we will never be in the position to celebrate their sporting achievements tomorrow and secure Wales's place on the sporting world stage.

I'm also sure that every Member in this Senedd will be aware of sporting groups and clubs in their constituencies and regions that have struggled in the last year or so. In fact, sport may well be one of the hardest hit sectors since the onset of the pandemic. According to the Football Association of Wales Trust, for example, grass-roots football clubs have lost, on average, £7,000 each, and 97 per cent of football clubs say they've been affected financially, and over half have said they'll lose volunteers. Meanwhile, the Welsh Rugby Union has described the pandemic as catastrophic to its sport, particularly with the financial impact on the grass-roots game. That's why the motion has a plan to turn this situation around, not only by increasing participation, but also creating a community sport bounce-back fund to support these community clubs following the pandemic.

So, it's for these reasons that it's really disappointing to see the Welsh Government taking their usual 'delete all' approach to our motion, particularly when it makes specific calls that will deliver real change for people in Wales. The amendments literally delete the prospect of a post-pandemic recovery for some of these sports clubs, and do very little to increase participation in sport in Wales. We all know that all of us can do more to support the sector, and that's why we will not be voting for their amendments tonight; we’ll be abstaining on them.

By contrast, I'd like to welcome Plaid Cymru's second amendment to increase the amount of teenage girls and people from under-represented backgrounds in sport. I think it's a vital and very topical one, and I congratulate Plaid Cymru on doing that. The proposals by the FAW to restructure the women's league, for example, do nothing to increase participation of teenage girls in football whatsoever. For that reason, we'll be supporting the second Plaid Cymru amendment today.

Therefore, I ask Members from across the Senedd to support our motion today, as we know the best way to have a successful sporting tomorrow is to support it today.

I have selected the three amendments to the motion. If amendment 1 is agreed, amendments 2 and 3 will be deselected. I call, therefore, on the Deputy Minister to formally move amendment 1, tabled in the name of Lesley Griffiths.

Amendment 1—Lesley Griffiths

Delete all and replace with:

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Welcomes the Welsh Government’s commitment to:

a) champion Welsh sporting successes, harness the creativity and sporting ability of our young people, and enable our sports industry to maintain its proper place on the world stage;

b) invest in our world-class sports facilities, promote equal access to sports and support young and talented athletes and grassroots clubs.

c) invest in new facilities such as 3G artificial pitches.

2. Recognises the Welsh Government’s successful record of bringing major cultural, business and sports events to Wales.

3. Joins the Welsh Government in wishing the men’s senior Welsh football team the very best of luck in the remaining matches of the European Championships.

Amendment 1 moved.

Formally.

Thank you, I now call on Heledd Fychan to move amendments 2 and 3, tabled in the name of Siân Gwenllian.

Amendment 2—Siân Gwenllian

In point 3(d), after 'activities' insert 'especially amongst teenage girls and under-represented groups;'

Amendment 3—Siân Gwenllian

In point 3, insert as new sub-points:

'ensuring post-16 education institutions provide sport and leisure facilities while encouraging participation by attendees;

encouraging public broadcasters to devote a greater percentage of broadcast time to women’s sport;

working with clubs and organisations to reduce homophobic, and sexist behaviour and be trans-inclusive;

investigating the potential for an Olympic size swimming pool to serve north Wales.'

Amendments 2 and 3 moved.

Thank you, Llywydd. I'd like to move amendments 2 and 3 formally, and note my thanks for the opportunity to discuss these issues on a day when we're all looking forward to Wales's game against Turkey. On behalf of Plaid Cymru, I'd like to wish the squad well.

The aim of our amendments is to add to the original motion in a constructive manner, and I would like to see the Senedd working in a cross-party way on this issue in order to secure the necessary investment so that everyone in Wales has the opportunity to participate in sport for the benefit of their health and well-being and to reach their full potential. Research commissioned by Sport Wales in 2018 shows the following: that, for every £1 invested in sport in Wales, there is a benefit of £2.88. But it's not just economic benefit in terms of job creation and expenditure in Wales that we get as a result of sport; it also generates huge savings in terms of the health service, helping people to live more active and healthy lives and to reduce the risk of serious illness. In the context of COVID, this is very pertinent indeed.

Like all other sectors, the sports sector, on all levels, has been impacted by the pandemic. Today is therefore a good opportunity for us to look to the future and to discuss positive steps that can be taken by the Government in order to ensure that the sports sector in Wales goes from strength to strength.

The first Plaid Cymru amendment highlights the need to focus particularly on improving the participation of teenage girls and under-represented groups, therefore strengthening the original motion. As the sports ambassadors programme by ColegauCymru has shown, having ambassadors does bring benefits in three different ways: first of all, at a strategic level, it will lead to increased resilience for the future workforce, providing opportunities that increase the skills, experiences and confidence of people. Secondly, for schools and colleges, it will mean that the voice of young people will be incorporated into college activity, and, thirdly, in terms of the ambassadors themselves, it will lead to the development of new skills, including research, media and communication. It'll also develop the opportunities for volunteering and mentoring for themselves and other young people within their colleges or local authorities.

The aim of our second amendment is to add further points that we believe are crucial in terms of improving access to sport and participation. The benefits of having gyms in educational settings goes way beyond particular sports training. A physical fitness programme using strength training equipment does help students to develop healthy habits that will stay with them into their adult lives and reduce the risk of chronic disease.

In terms of the broadcasting of female sport, although there has been improvement, there is still further work to be done if we are to normalise women's sport in the media. According to a survey from 2019 of over 10,000 people across the UK, 61 per cent of young girls agreed that they would feel more confident if there were more people like them on television, as compared to 43 per cent of the general population. Importantly, viewers said that the main barrier to watching more women's sport is the lack of coverage, not the quality of the sport played.

It's everyone's responsibility to fight homophobia, sexism and transphobia in sport. The objective of this battle needs to be twofold: on the one hand to ensure respect for the human rights and dignity of all individuals, and, on the other hand, to tackle violence and discrimination. 

And finally, we believe strongly that we should look at the potential for having an Olympic-sized swimming pool in north Wales. At the moment, talented swimmers from north Wales selected to represent Wales have to travel to Manchester, Liverpool, Swansea or Cardiff for their coaching. This would make it easier for the next generation of Welsh swimmers to reach the highest standards and deliver their potential.

I very much hope that other parties will support these amendments to strengthen the original motion today, and will reject the Labour Party's amendment, which would miss out many of these important points. And I'm pleased to say that I've finished in time, Llywydd, so hopefully we'll be able to watch the match. 

Da iawn. Something to aim for, everybody—25 seconds off your contribution. [Laughter.] Huw Irranca-Davies, give it a go. 

Diolch yn fawr iawn, and I will indeed, Llywydd. I will keep this very short indeed. I welcome the debate. I will be supporting the Government amendment. Although there are good aspects, I have to say, of both amendments down, the Welsh Government amendment here, championing Welsh sporting successes, harnessing the creativity and sporting ability of the young people, investing in world-class sporting facilities, new facilities, including 3G artificial pitches and so on—it's a good amendment and is worthy of support.

But can I just say, at this moment, Llywydd, it's not only the football that we are looking at at the moment and turning our minds to? Some Members are also thinking about the Tokyo Olympics—no, no, not those Tokyo Olympics, the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, where Lynn Davies, ever known as Lynn 'The Leap' Davies of Nantymoel, leapt in the wind and the rain into the legend book, taking the gold medal in the long jump. He did it because the conditions were appropriate for a boy from Nantymoel. And he beat, completely against the odds, against all the prophecies, the world champion in doing so. And the reason I mention that is because of the ability of people like Lynn Davies—1964 he won that gold medal, but I sat with him in Bridgend Athletic Club and I sat with him in the Nantymoel Boys and Girls Club, where he brought his gold medal out, tattered and battered and weathered, and he shared it with the young people sitting around him, and you could see their eyes light up about, 'Why couldn't this be me, as somebody who also goes to that boys and girls club as well?' It's important we have those sporting heroes, including the sporting heroes we currently have running onto the pitches in Welsh colours this evening as well.

But it's not only the sporting heroes, it's also the grand gestures of the events we bring here to Wales, which we have done before, with Welsh Government support. And I want to make one suggestion, and I'm sorry to bang on about Nantymoel once again, but we have the Bwlch mountain going just across the top—a spectacular intersection of three roads coming together on the mountain tops. It is glorious, it is spectacular, it lends itself to actually having spectators lining those roads, watching a stage of the Tour of Britain. Let's bring it here in future. Let's showcase the best of the south Wales Valleys. Let's showcase the best of active sport of that type right here, against that massive splendid grandeur of the south Wales Valleys, and show the world the best of what we have as well.

But beyond all of these grand men and women of sport, but also grand events as well, what matters to most of us tends to be grass-roots sport. It's the football games that we go to watch in the wind and the rain and the hail, and stand on the side of, with our children, with the community, with teams that we know, and some teams that we oppose as well. It's the rugby, it's the netball—it's all of those local grass-roots sports that are so important, and they have had a pasting during the pandemic, an absolute pasting. And it's not simply, although importantly, the fact that they have got young members coming through who have gone a year, or 18 months now, without that ability to transition into the higher levels of youth teams and adult teams and so on, and we know that is causing difficulty, but it's also the loss of income in their bars and their meeting rooms and their venues. It's really hit them hard.

So, Minister, my one plea to you in supporting the amendment today—and I guess we would all make the same plea here—is it's what more we can do to do two things: to make sure that these clubs, of all sports and all types, for everybody, not just the rugby and football clubs and not just the male sports but for everybody, can viably get through to the other side of this pandemic, with additional support if needs be. And secondly, how do we actually bridge that gap where young people are in danger right now of falling off the edge and not transitioning through to those more senior levels in sport? If we don't do it, we don't just lose grass-roots sports, we lose the next Lynn the Leap, the next Welsh football team players and so on. So, anything you can do on that front would be much appreciated. 

Diolch, Llywydd. I will try to be brief, as much as I can. It's great to have the opportunity to speak in this debate today. As a proud Welshman, sport plays a huge role in my life and, as a nation and from our past glories, we hope—fingers crossed—for future successes. In Brecon and Radnorshire, we love our sport, from our community cricket clubs, rugby and football clubs, our darts teams, our bowls clubs—you name it, Minister, we have them all. We also have an amazing project planned in Rhayader for 4G pitches and a sports hub for mid Wales. And I would be absolutely delighted if the Minister would come and visit my constituency to see the work that has been done to date to see how we can boost sport in mid Wales.

Physical activity is scientifically proven to have a hugely positive impact both on an individual's physical and mental health and their overall well-being. Throughout the first lockdown, gyms and all sporting activities were stopped, and this had the public's support. We needed to slow the spread of COVID and ensure we saved lives to protect the NHS and the most vulnerable people in our society. But, when the second lockdown came into place at the end of 2020, the Government knew full well the risks to public health that enforcing another lockdown would entail. People and the public massively struggled with their physical and mental health, with many unable to see loved ones and friends for months on end. Your Government knew this would happen, and you could, I think, have worked proactively with the sports sector to ensure that people could continue to play sport, go to the gym in a safe way and be physically active to ensure their physical and mental health did not deteriorate. But we are where we are, and we cannot change the past, but I really hope we can change the future. So, Minister, now that the economy has reopened, and given the fact that the vaccination programme has been a great success, it's time that we start properly recognising the wide range of benefits that sport and physical activity have on the nation's health, and I hope that everyone in the Chamber and virtually today can support the Welsh Conservative motion, and that the Government takes serious consideration of making gyms an essential service in the future. Diolch, Llywydd.

At the outset, I'd like to wish the Wales men's football team the very best of luck for the game this evening against Turkey. Turkey may have close to a home crowd, but the hopes from our home nation are behind you, boys. Whatever happens, we know you'll do us proud. Pob lwc i chi i gyd.

It's electric how these huge tournaments can lift people's mood, can give us all something to feel joyful about, and what happens on pitches across the world when so many millions are watching can have other impacts too here in Wales. I was so pleased to support a statement of opinion that was put down this week by Sam Kurtz that was arguing for defibrillators to be available in sports grounds in Wales, learning from the shocking scenes involving Christian Eriksen over the weekend. Thank goodness that the paramedics were there, that the right kit was there to help save his life. And in spite of the ugly and ghoulish decisions of broadcasters to show distressing footage, if one good thing can come from that event, it should be that more young people involved in sports can please learn about CPR, and that more lives in future can be saved, because sport is something that can bind us all together. It was precisely because of the power and the potential of sport that so many of us were dismayed about the FAW's handling of the women's game in Wales and the recent restructuring that saw Abergavenny Women FC and Cascade Ladies in my region being cut from the top league, and Coed Duon Women FC drop to the third tier. I still call on FAW to reconsider this decision, because of the impact it will have not just on fans, not just on the players, but on future players. It will likely lead to a loss of motivation amongst young women who might have chosen to pursue football. I'm also concerned about the impact that that decision will have on players' mental health and I'd welcome any news from the Minister about any conversations that the Government could have, any support that could be made available to these clubs, which are going through such a really difficult period. I will leave it there, Llywydd. I'm trying to keep this brief because of the game, so I will just say one more time:

Come on, Wales, tonight. Good luck to the crew in Baku.

We'll take that as one set of good wishes, and we don't all need now to repeat the good wishes, otherwise we will miss the kick-off. Rhianon Passmore.

Diolch, Llywydd. The excitement and passion that Wales feels for its sport can be seen tonight, as we all know, at 5 p.m., as the men's team take on Turkey in our second match in the European Football Championship. So, I don't want to cross you, Llywydd, but I can't help but say 'good luck' to Robert Page and his team.

Our Welsh Labour Government, though, has a proud and an enviable record of valuing and supporting Welsh sport. During the recent election campaign there were examples from across my constituency of substantial investment, unlike in England, by the Welsh Labour Government, working in partnership with the Labour-run Caerphilly County Borough Council, in grass-roots sports. And we know that Wales's notorious weather often causes huge problems with maintaining grass pitches, especially made harder by a decade of Tory UK Government cuts to Wales and to non-statutory services, all seeking to cut swathes of discretionary public spending. In Islwyn we are now, thanks to the Welsh Government, viewing 3G pitches being built, including at Pontllanffraith leisure centre, Islwyn High School in Oakdale, and Blackwood high school. In Blackwood, the Labour-run council submitted a strong bid for the new 3G facility, and the scheme was given the go-ahead using £810,000-worth of funding from the innovative Welsh Labour Government's twenty-first century schools and education programme.

So, Deputy Minister, there should be no barriers—no barriers, as has been echoed by all—to supporting sport and participation by our children. We know, as the Welsh Government, that we must continue to take down those barriers to participation, to make sport also accessible and affordable to all. To conclude, Llywydd, we are also keen in Islwyn to promote athletics. A new £750,000 floodlit athletics track has been built in Oakdale, thanks again to the Welsh Labour Government and the Labour-run council. It's vital, then, that the Welsh Labour Government should continue to lead the way in supporting the grass roots of Welsh sport. I am hopeful of good news on the recommencement of parkruns when it's safe to do so. We know how valued they are by our participants, and by our successful Labour supporters in Islwyn, and the runners.

But it's right to say that, in the years of devolution, Labour has led the way for hosting elite events such as the FA Cup final, the Ashes test-match cricket, and the Ryder Cup in golf. These international events inspire Welsh children, inspire the Welsh nation and showcase our wonderful country to the world. So, yes, let's say 'Come on, Wales' tonight, and let's continue to build that bright sporting future for all our communities, because access to opportunity has never ever been more important. Diolch.

Let me join, first of all, with Mr Giffard and all colleagues across the Chamber in wishing every luck to the Welsh men's football team this evening. I too am looking forward to watching that game shortly. As Mr Giffard stated, sport does have the power to unite us. That's one of the most fascinating things about sport. Even I, as a frustrated Nottingham Forest fan, can join with Mr Sargeant as a Newcastle United fan to support our country together. And we must acknowledge that, as a country of just over 3 million people, we do continue to punch well above our weight in sport.

As we are well aware, and as has already been mentioned, sport and physical activity are exceptional ways of improving people's mental and physical well-being. What's also been shared here this afternoon are the social and economic benefits that sport and physical activity bring to Wales. It is with these holistic benefits in mind that I'd like my brief contribution, Llywydd, to be focused on the role and the opportunity that, yes, grass-roots sport can bring, but in particular, that elite sport can provide across Wales. I would love at this point to be able to declare an interest as an elite athlete, but sadly I cannot—unless, of course, we include foot golf as an elite sport, Llywydd.

But within the motion today from Mr Giffard, you'll be aware that, as Welsh Conservatives, we're calling for a Welsh talent sporting fund to support talented Welsh athletes to succeed on the world stage, as well as to improve access to sporting facilities. This is because it's clear that there's so much to gain from investing in elite sports. As we know, it is these sportspeople who often inspire in generation after generation for themselves to partake in sports and activities and, indeed, Mr Irranca-Davies mentioned in his contribution—and thank you for enlightening me on Lynn 'The Leap'—how he was inspired by seeing an elite sportsperson and the medal that Lynn gained.

Sadly, though, there is a gap in elite facilities and support, in particular the access for young people from the north of Wales versus what's available in the south of Wales. We do, of course, have Wrexham Association Football Club in north Wales, and my late taid, Hywel Hefin Rowlands, would be very pleased to hear me mention Wrexham football club today, but that is the only professional sports team in north Wales. There's close to a population of 1 million people and just the one professional sports team in the region. And if we looked at rugby as another example, there are four professional regional teams in the south of Wales, but there's yet to be a professional team in the north. That does frustrate me that such concentration of that elite facility and support is, sadly, four or five hours away from many people in the north of Wales. And when it comes to having these professional teams in north Wales and the investment in elite sports facilities in the region, many players and athletes will often see those barriers and will stop either competing or will move across the border to compete in those activities, and that's something that we cannot accept as a Welsh Parliament here this afternoon.

North Wales is also at times left behind when it comes to access for spectators and fans. Just recently, we had the football friendlies before the European championships. However, none of those were played in north Wales, and for many of those spectators, actually, for those evening games, there's no public transport in the evenings for them to get back home as well. So, that's something else that should be looked at to encourage people to get involved and be inspired by elite sport.

So, to conclude, Llywydd, we are a great sporting nation and have a lot to be proud of. However, a lot more work and co-operation is needed between the responsible organisations, and this includes Governments, to ensure that sport in Wales doesn't become too centralised in south Wales and that it is accessible and representative of all of Wales, including the constituents that I represent in the North Wales region. Our motion today, as Welsh Conservatives, would ensure that this gap between the regions is closed by providing support and investment in those elite sports, as well as grass roots, across the country. I urge all Members to support our Conservative motion and to reject the Government's amendment. Diolch yn fawr iawn.

You won't believe this, Llywydd, but I was awful at sport in school. [Laughter.] I recently played as a member of the Senedd team against the House of Commons/House of Lords, and we absolutely smashed them, and I rather feel it was my pass to Rhun ap Iorwerth that subsequently went to Andrew R.T. Davies, who went straight down in the ruck, and it went out on the left wing for a try, I think I contributed to that try. [Laughter.] But in school, I was not interested in sport because I felt it was a team game, and the Chief Whip will know I'm not so good at team stuff sometimes. [Laughter.] And also, the focus was rugby and football—that was it. Our teacher was Huw Bevan who went on to great things as a coach, and is still going on to great things as a coach, but didn't encourage us. And I think what we need to remember is that sport isn't just about games and it isn't just about team games.

I used to cycle to school over Gelligaer common and I used to go cycling regularly. None of that was part of the school activity, and I think in that sense, Heolddu Comprehensive School succeeded for me in so many different ways, but not in sporting activity. But it's worth remembering that Lauren Price, the boxer and former footballer—she's 26, so she's got 17 years on me—was a former pupil of Heolddu as well, so they must have been doing something right, and I suspect they've improved greatly in that time.

I want to mention the fact that Welsh Government has a huge role to play in funding sport, not least through the funding of pitches. We've got, in my constituency, the Ystrad Mynach Centre for Sporting Excellence, which has 3G and 4G pitches, and it's where Cascade YC Ladies Football Club are currently playing. You fund also the FAW Trust, through Sport Wales, directly into football for men and women.

Now, one of the things we did this morning—and I've been working cross-party with Delyth Jewell and Laura Anne Jones on this issue in our south-east Wales region—was we met with the FAW and Cascade ladies football club. We had quite a constructive meeting, and what the FAW conceded to me was that they were very poor at communicating their decision, which has already been mentioned by Tom Giffard, to relegate Cascade ladies, Abergavenny and Briton Ferry from the Welsh Premier Women's League. We are hugely disappointed by this in this Chamber. I believe that half the Members of the Senedd have signed our statement of opinion criticising that decision. We are not going to move from that position—we feel, still, it is the wrong decision to take—but what the FAW told us today is that they are unlikely to move from that position, although we ask you, Minister, to continue to put pressure. I know you've written to them, and I'd like some more information about that, but continue to put pressure on the FAW to reconsider the decision.

What we need from the FAW in the future is communication with those clubs, because those clubs, particularly Cascade in the northern Valleys, is a club in a community that isn't blessed with huge sporting success. You can look to the Barry Towns and the—. I was going to call them 'Total Network Solutions'. What are they called, Jack? Yes, the New Saints. You can look at these clubs that are the marquee clubs in men's football. It is not acceptable, then, for them, because they've got those economies of scale, to become the women's clubs as well. We need to see clubs like Cascade succeed. So, what I've asked the FAW for is for them to open a very clear dialogue with Cascade, so that now they're in tier 2 south that they will be able to go back up again next season, if they're good enough, but based on sporting merit only. That is really important.

And coming back to the motion, the way that this can be encouraged is by the Welsh Government continuing to invest in sporting facilities and the surrounding activities in our communities. As I say, Cascade are benefiting from that in the sporting centre of excellence. It is only fair that they continue to do so through sporting merit. So, that's the key point I want to make today, and if the FAW are watching, we are keeping our eye on this. We will continue to be working with our clubs in our communities, and we await constructive consultation and a response also to your letter, Minister.

I'm grateful for the opportunity to take part in this Welsh Conservative debate today on a subject that has played, and continues to play, an important part in my life. Since a very early age, I've been an active participant in sport. Whilst always enthusiastic, I can't claim to have ever been that particularly good at any one sport. However, I am a great advocate of the physical and mental health benefits that sport brings to an individual's life. And I'm lucky that Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire have such an active sporting community, boasting many Welsh sporting heroes: Narberth's own footballing ace, Joe Allen; Bancyfelin's British and Irish Lion, Jonathan Davies; and Carmarthen-born cycling gold medalist, Manon Lloyd, have all represented their country at the highest level and are role models to many. 

I've certainly learnt many social skills from the rugby and cricket changing rooms from an early age, and I know others have too. Amid the lingering smell of Deep Heat, team sport is all about being in it together—your teammates having your back and you theirs. The shared experiences from being on the field, pitch or court help build bonds and build character. It also teaches people from a young age the value of working hard to achieve your goals. If you're putting in the practice, the hard yards through training, then there are no barriers to the personal milestones that you can reach. Sport too is a great social mobiliser. When the opportunities are there, the limit of your potential should only be the talent you possess.

During the lockdown, sport provided salvation and escape. As the lockdowns began to take their toll on our mental health, the return of a kickabout with friends or a day in the sunshine playing cricket provided much needed social interaction and helped those, including myself, who had struggled with being locked down. It also helped some of us lose some lockdown weight, but my mother is quick to remind me that I've swiftly put that back on. I'm not oblivious to the irony that our debate today may lead to proceedings in the Chamber running over the Wales-Turkey European championship kick-off. I know Members are keen to cheer the team on, so I'll keep my contribution brief and focus on three main points.

Firstly, I would like to repeat the calls that my colleague Tom Giffard made in opening the debate. Wales can host major sporting events, from the 1999 Rugby World Cup to the more recent Champions League final in 2017. So, it was with sincere disappointment that the Welsh Government decided against pursuing a bid to host the Commonwealth Games. With Birmingham hosting the event next year in 2022, I am sure that many Welsh fans will make the short journey across the border to see some of the world's best athletes. The legacy the city will gain is massive, and the knock-on effect to the local area and community is considerable. Minister, ambition is critical, and a Wales-wide Commonwealth Games would open our country to the world. Much of the infrastructure is already in place—the 50m pool here in Cardiff, the velodrome in Newport. Who wouldn't welcome some of the events in their own corners of Wales? Sailing in the Menai straits, mountain biking in the Brecon Beacons, the triathlon in the sea and on the roads of Pembrokeshire, and of course, the beach volleyball on Pendine sands. What better advertisement of our great sporting nation?

You may also remember, Minister, that a few weeks ago I used a question to the First Minister to highlight the importance of the Ironman competition to Tenby and south Pembrokeshire. This event, which I know has received support from the local authority—of which I'm still a member—and the Welsh Government, is recognised as one of the jewels of the Welsh sporting crown. However, the Welsh Government's determination to maintain the 2m social distancing rule for this event will hit it hard. Ironman Wales is held exclusively outdoors, and it seems odd that, as people may sit around a table inside a pub, an elite athletic event hangs in the balance due to the 2m rule. Can I urge you, please, Minister, to look into this issue, and look at relaxing the 2m rule, to ensure that this event can happen again and be successful once more this September?

And finally, but most importantly, following the distressing scenes over the weekend of Danish footballer Christian Eriksen collapsing and receiving life-saving treatment on the football pitch, I wanted to highlight the importance of ensuring sports grounds have access to defibrillators. I tabled a statement of opinion earlier this week calling for continued work to ensure that this life-saving equipment is located at every sports ground in Wales. I'm thankful to those Members who have signed it, and I'm pleased that it has gathered such cross-party support. I hope that there is the momentum, the political will, there to make this a reality. I thank Delyth Jewell for her kind words on this earlier. I'd also commend Suzy Davies for her work on ensuring CPR will be taught on the new curriculum.

And not to get into your bad books, Llywydd, but absolutely finally from me, c'mon Cymru.

I'm particularly enjoying this debate. As our good friend Sam Rowlands said, I am a passionate sports fan. He reminded me of my days supporting Newcastle United FC, which I still do. I still have fond memories of the late Gary Speed doing magical things for my club. The Llywydd knows I'm one to promote sporting excellence at every opportunity, whether that is our national football team or whether that is the mighty Connah's Quay Nomads FC of north Wales, for winning the Cymru Premier league again. They will soon be representing Wales on the European stage once more. Llywydd, you will know I am a truly proud club ambassador, so I'm very happy to declare an interest on that. My good friend Huw Irranca-Davies—I agree absolutely with everything he said in his contribution before. But what I will say is that in the north-east of Wales, we are thinking about this Tokyo Olympic Games, because Jade Jones is going for her third gold medal in taekwondo. So, I'm sure we'll wish her all the very best there.

Llywydd, Members across the Chamber rightly have noted that the key to seeing success for Wales on the world and European stage is, of course, grass-roots sport. I am currently putting together a meeting between the FAW, Flintshire council and—I hope—Sport Wales as well, alongside Buckley Town Football Club. My ambition, and the club's ambition, is to get a first-class artificial pitch at the club. I'll be urging everyone at that meeting to join me in getting this facility in place. Because it's not just about football, actually—this is about every sport and activity that can be played on a community shared facility. I want everyone in that meeting to get behind this ambition, and I'll be urging local councillors, in particular, to convince the local council to get behind the vision too. All-weather pitches are vital if the next generation of talent are to be able to train all year round, in whatever sport they wish to do so. I'd be grateful if the Minister could make a note on that in her response—about the importance of artificial pitches, for all sports and real communities to use as a shared facility. Diolch yn fawr, Llywydd.

The Deputy Minister to contribute to the debate.

Diolch, Llywydd. Can I first of all thank Members for a really interesting debate, on a subject that I'm very, very passionate about? I've been a lifelong sports fan, mainly football. I don't think I'm going to declare my football allegiances in the Chamber today, but suffice to say—[Interruption.] Suffice to say—[Interruption.] Merthyr Town FC. Suffice to say, I've not actually been built for sport participation, mostly for spectating, and I've enjoyed that all my life. So, I feel hugely privileged to be in a ministerial role now where I can set out the Welsh Government's record on the issues raised and our commitments in this Senedd term. 

First, like others, I would like to echo the comments made by Members, both today and yesterday, in reflecting on the truly shocking scenes in the European championship involving Christian Eriksen at the weekend. What we witnessed last Saturday highlights the importance of defibrillators and the need for properly trained officials. I'm sure that the whole Chamber will join me in wishing him a full recovery. While we want to encourage everyone to take part in sport and be active, we need to make sure that that is done in a way that is as safe as possible. 

Llywydd, I'm very proud of the fact that, for a small nation, to use a sporting analogy, we punch way above our weight on the world stage when it comes to sporting events. The economic and health evidence referred to by Tom Giffard and Heledd Fychan have been the sources of evidence that have been the basis for assessing additional funding for sport, to support the sector throughout the pandemic and prepare for post COVID. 

We have a well-deserved, world-class reputation for attracting international sporting, cultural and business events such as the Ryder Cup, the Ashes test, the Volvo Ocean Race, UEFA Champions League finals, the NATO summit, Womex and developing home-grown events, including Focus Wales, the Aberystwyth Comedy Festival, and the Dylan Thomas and Roald Dahl centenary events over the last 10 years. These are not aspirations; these are what have happened in Wales. These major events continue. It's great to see the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World under way and garnering international coverage, and we look forward to hosting the England cricket team in Cardiff shortly. 

But this is not the end of our ambition. We continue to work with partners in Wales and beyond to successfully secure bids, for example with Anglesey County Council to hold the Island Games in 2027. Without doubt, events have been a key part of the visitor economy here in Wales over the last 10 years, and we're committed to building on the success that we have achieved to date. And just to respond briefly to Sam Kurtz, on events, we continue to work with the sector to open up as soon as it is safe to do so, and ensure that those rules are consistent and well understood, but we have to take account of the public health situation at any given point in time when we look at events and relaxation of rules. 

Turning now to the motion, I note that it simply repeats what we heard from the Conservative Party in its manifesto for last month's election. Similarly, the amendments from Plaid Cymru are a restatement of what we saw in its manifesto. Both parties lost that election, so it's perhaps more relevant to talk about what is in Welsh Labour's manifesto and our programme for government. It's also worth pointing out that the motion and amendments mention a range of ideas and initiatives that are already happening. For instance, the UK Government is already working with us as part of a five-nation partnership to consider the feasibility of a UK and Ireland bid for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

Sport Wales already runs a network of sports ambassadors through the Young Ambassadors programme, which involves developing ideas and creating sporting opportunities so that more young people have the chance to experience the benefits of an active lifestyle, while giving young people confidence and skills to be the sporting leaders of the future. Sport Wales's regional partnerships will aim to have a long-term strategic approach to addressing inequalities currently present in the sport delivery system. They will also address the latent demand for sport activity whilst tackling discrepancy in participation rates across communities in Wales. I can assure Huw Irranca-Davies that this Government's ambition for sport in Wales is to build on our sporting achievements and continually strive for greater opportunities for everyone across Wales to take part in sport, to be physically active, regardless of their background, and not just reinvent the wheel, and to find the next Lynn the Leap. 

That's why we are investing in more capital facilities, including the 3G pitches that Jack Sargeant referred to. Can I just say, Llywydd, that there's actually no such thing as a 4G pitch? A 4G pitch is just a marketing strategy by the manufacturers; 3G is what we have and is what is used, and it's what we have in Merthyr Town. It's a great community facility, and I would be urging any clubs to get involved with developing artificial pitches for community use. 

As Hefin David said, when we look at individual sports and communities supporting sports and delivering our vision and strategy for sports, we shouldn't just be looking at organised sports and team sports. We should be looking at getting people involved in activities, whether that's, as I say, a designated sport or whether it is a team sport. We recognise that there's more to do to encourage all our communities to be more active and to take part in more sporting opportunities. That's why both our race equality action plan and our LGBTQ+ action plan will have measures included in them aimed at improving sporting opportunities for those groups.

In relation to the points that Hefin David and Delyth Jewell raised in relation to the decision of the FAW on women's football—and I know Laura has been very keen to pursue this matter as well—I have written to the FAW, as Hefin has said, and I do hope to make a statement soon on the discussions with them. But I am clear that I want to see the women's game in Wales thrive, and I will do whatever I can to ensure that that happens. 

In conclusion, Llywydd, I think all Members would agree that sport and physical activity have a great power to unite us and to help us recover strongly from the pandemic. This Government and Sport Wales are already working to ensure that everyone has opportunities to participate and benefit from sport at every level. That's why I ask Members to reject the motion, and Plaid Cymru's amendments, and instead support the Government amendment. With your patience, Llywydd, I hope everyone will join with me and get behind the Wales team, not just tonight, but for the remaining matches of the Euros. I hope that we end up just going one step further than we did in 2016. Thank you.  

Laura Anne Jones to respond to the debate. 

Diolch, Llywydd. As a keen sportswoman myself for many years, I'm an avid watcher of all sports myself, but now it mainly comprises me running around after my kids trying to watch sport. But anyway, I'm trying my best. But I am a keen sport nut, as this Chamber knows. And previous Parliaments know how much I've always pushed how important sport and physical activity is—cross cutting, across all briefs, as we've heard today. May I just say thank you to everybody for your contributions today on behalf of the Welsh Conservatives? Because it has all been very positive contributions. You all clearly have a passion for sport and understand that we need to combat the issues that we face regarding sports and really make our nation a true nation of sport. 

As we've heard this afternoon, Llywydd, from Sam Rowlands—and, again, the Minister just reiterated it—we do, as a nation, as a small nation, punch well above our weight in terms of our sporting prowess. That is wonderful, and it's something I go goosebumpy talking about, because we are so proud of our nation and how well we do achieve. But unfortunately that's despite the lack of investment that has been needed for the last few decades. Just imagine, if we did work cross-party, as Heledd said, near the beginning, how much more successful that we'd be on that international stage, and within the United Kingdom. 

I'm delighted, as you know, to hear that you agree that we need 3G pitches, and 3G pitches of all levels, for our communities, but also for our elite sports clubs and professional sports clubs, and all the leagues coming down from that—not just for football, but for rugby and for netball and whoever else can use those pitches at whatever level. But it's also a way of communities being able to play sport all the year round, which, as we've seen during this pandemic, has been of utmost importance—that physical activity can resume and continue during those five months that normally all sports clubs shut down. As the secretary of a junior football club for many years now, I know how hard it is to maintain children's interest if their training is continually cancelled, if the matches are continually cancelled—to come back then, five months later, in March, and start playing again. Either they've lost interest, or physically and mentally they've been affected by the fact that they haven't played any sport in that time. So, it is something that we do need to concentrate on.

As we've heard today, we have our Welsh stars, and it's very important that we don't have that talent drain, which we do see on a regular basis, because of the poor facilities and the difference in facilities compared to what they can offer in England, across our porous borders, and, of course, in Scotland. We do see people going across there and preferring to play sport there, and we don't want that. We want to retain them here, we want to breed our sport stars and keep them in our local clubs. As Sam Kurtz said earlier, it's essential that we look to bring more major events here to Wales, and as the Minister also outlined in her contribution, it is important that we have these major events, because it does breed enthusiasm right down to our clubs and right down into every sport and, of course, within our communities and it brings communities together and countries together as we're seeing during the Euros now.

And, of course, part of the magic of these events is that we see competitors and teams and how they've got there and the basis of sporting merit and achievement and, as Hefin quite rightly pointed out and you, Minister, it's important—fairness is important when it comes to our football leagues. And we're seeing now that some of the women's teams are being relegated, as you've outlined already, not for what's happening on the pitch, but for administrative means and that's just not right. And I really, really thank you from the Welsh Conservatives, and I know from across parties, and I know that you're doing all that you can to make sure that that process is fair and that the conclusion they reach is fair and that's the main gist of that.

I won't reiterate, but I went on to talk to the education Minister earlier about the importance of school sports, so we've touched on that already, but also the cross-cutting benefits of mental health, as James outlined earlier. There are so many health benefits. Unfortunately, as was outlined by the previous health committee, the Welsh Government really did miss something when they didn't put the emphasis on and recognise the importance of physical activity and sport as preventative measures in improving the health of our nation. So, that's something that we need to really push. But I just want to thank you, Deputy Minister, for all that you are doing. And I'm very hopeful for the future because you are a sport lover, and I do see that in you because it's reflected in me, and I love that. Thank you very much and we look forward to hearing many positive stories about what you're going to do to make our nation a true sporting nation. And on that, I hope that the whole Senedd can get behind our motion today, because it is important. We've set out a plan that we need to ensure that we get Wales to where it needs to be and I hope that we can all support that. Thank you.

The proposal is to agree the motion without amendment. Does any Member object?

The motion without amendment—is there an objection? [Objection.]

Therefore, I defer voting.

I postpone the vote until the voting time.

Voting deferred until voting time.

Which brings us to taking a short break again for changes in the Chamber, and you'll be glad to know that we managed to shave six minutes off our personal best in that last debate. So, we'll ring the bell for two minutes before the next session starts.

Plenary was suspended at 15:48.

The Senedd reconvened at 15:56, with the Deputy Presiding Officer (David Rees) in the Chair.

Welcome back.