Emma McClarkin MEP speaks up for minority sports

Today, East Midlands’ Conservative MEP Emma McClarkin spoke up for sport in the EU Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou’s hearing. 

The EU has been given new powers to legislate in the area of sport following the Lisbon Treaty.

Keen rugby supporter and sports fan Emma McClarkin was concerned at how the EU sports policy would focus on the grass roots of sport.  She believes that this is where sport can benefit most by simultaneously helping tackle other challenges such as obesity and youth participation in society.   

Miss McClarkin also questioned whether the policy would be developed for football but for other “minority sports”. 
 
Emma McClarkin MEP commented from Brussels:
 
“Minority sports in an EU context include sports like Rugby and Cricket that are huge in the UK. We need to make sure that if there is to be any legislation on sport that is not just football focused and that it is relevant to smaller sports. I am keen to make sure they are not caught in the net in tackling problems specific to football.
 
“If the EU wants to help grow grassroots sport with more funding then fine, but I want to know how they are going to implement any legislation so it can have a real impact for grassroots sports and not just focus on the glamorous and profitable professional sports.”