Some of the country’s biggest sports stars have joined up with the Government to urge the country to get out and get active as outdoor sports, clubs and facilities reopen from today.
England men’s World Cup-winning cricket captain Eoin Morgan, British No1 women’s tennis player Johanna Konta and England Rugby Union prop Kyle Sinckler are supporting the Government’s rallying cry.
In line with the government’s roadmap, sports facilities including football and cricket pitches, tennis and basketball courts, outdoor swimming pools, golf courses and sailing clubs can now reopen safely, setting the nation on a path of improved physical and mental health.
From today, organised outdoor team sports can also resume meaning that sports competitions of all ages and skill levels can restart ahead of the Easter holiday break.
The Secretary at Hillside Golf Club said: “We are looking forward to welcoming members back today.
“A huge thank you to Course Manager Chris Ball and his team for the outstanding work preparing the links which are in magnificent condition!”
A Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa spokesperson said: “We appreciate how difficult the last 12 months have been for us all during this pandemic and thankfully there appears to be light at the end of the tunnel. We are excited to get going again and to share our current re-opening plans with you.
“Based on the UK Government’s provisional roadmap to easing lockdown, we are looking forward to welcoming you back to Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa from:
“29th March for our golf courses & driving range
“12th April for our health club & golf shop, spa treatments and outdoor food & beverage service
“17th May for the hotel and indoor dining in our restaurant
“21st June for larger events and weddings.”
Argyle Tennis Club in Southport said: “We are excited to see everyone on the Argyle tennis courts today.
“Looks like summer tennis clothes for the first half of the week. Should be a great start!”
Parents and guardians are being urged to help their children follow the Chief Medical Officer’s guidance and aim for at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day, and adults to aim for at least 150 minutes, or two and a half hours, a week.
Exercise and outdoor sports are well documented to reduce individuals’ risk of major illnesses, such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and cancer by up to 50% and lower risk of early death by up to 30%.
The reopening of the outdoors sports sector will seek to help reduce the impacts of these debilitating diseases and in turn reduce pressure on the NHS.
Physical activity is known to improve health outcomes which can include improving mental health through better sleep, happier moods, and managing stress and anxiety.
It comes as the ‘stay at home’ message ends and ‘rule of six’ is reintroduced, which means that outdoor gatherings of either six people or two households are allowed. Social contact rules will not apply to outdoor, organised team sport.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said:
The long wait is over. I urge everyone to get their trainers on, get outside and enjoy all of the positive benefits sport can bring.
We want to see children be active 60 minutes a day, and adults two and a half hours a week to help us build back fitter, healthier and happier from this pandemic.
Sport and physical activity will be at the heart of our national recovery and today marks a really important step forward.
Eoin Morgan, England ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup-winning captain said:
I know how lucky I’ve been as a sportsperson to play cricket for a living, and to have been able to continue to do so during the ongoing pandemic while so many others have been unable to.
The reason I started playing cricket as a child was because I loved it, but it also helped me keep fit and active, spend time with my friends, make new ones and have fun. I know that so many people, and especially children, have missed out on those vitally important things because of the pandemic so I’m delighted to endorse the #returntoplay campaign.
With summer – and the cricket season – just around the corner, there’s no better time for everyone, young and old, to get back to having fun by getting outdoors, being active and playing sport.
Johanna Konta, British No1 women’s tennis player, said:
I’m so happy people in England are now able to get back on court and enjoy the mental and physical health benefits of tennis.
It’s a great sport for anyone looking to get active outdoors after lockdown at a safe, social distance, and I’d encourage everyone to pick up a racket, no matter whether they’re a seasoned player or trying tennis for the first time.
Kyle Sinckler, England Rugby Union player, said:
I can wait to see you guys get out there, and all the kids getting back out there to enjoy themselves.
Because that’s what it’s about at the end of the day, grassroots rugby, everyone getting back out there and enjoying themselves and hopefully I can get down there and see you guys soon.
Serena Guthrie, England Netball player, said:
It is brilliant to see grassroots sports returning today and in particular netball players the length and breadth of the country getting ready to step back out on courts again.
With outdoor sport unlocking, this is a chance for people to reconnect with teammates in the fresh air, get active and maybe even try something new.
It’s been a tough period for everyone, and there’s never been a more important time to look after your physical and mental wellbeing, so I’d encourage as many people as possible to grab their trainers and find a netball session near them to get involved with.
Jodie Cunningham, St Helens and England Women Rugby League player, said:
The return of grassroots sport is a fantastic moment for everyone who loves sport, and the positive impact it makes on people’s lives.
I know the girls from my old school, Cardinal Newman, will be really excited to use these brilliant new facilities at Victoria Park – and there will be so many others of all ages in our Rugby League communities who can’t wait to get back doing what they love.
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