10 March 10

The funding of sport is a massive discussion area and, of course, quite pertinent at a time of economic downturn. However, too often with sporting issues, that discussion tends to turn to football (be it in terms of Governance conditions, debts or marketing revenue). Since funding tends to be very sport specific - and indeed vary even within a sport - the below discussion seeks introduce the experiences of two other, different sports from two different perspectives.

British Water Polo has kindly provided an inside-sport perspective, sharing an insight into the turbulent past months since their sport’s funding was dramatically cut by 75% and therefore threatening their 2012 Olympic hopes. By way of background, members may recall the 2009 reports on this: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/olympic_games/7858243.stm

Secondly, Rod Findlay shares his thoughts on the funding streams of the Rugby League, which include an impressive £480 million from Sport England.

Please feel free to share your own opinions on funding/investment into sport on the discussion forum.

• “ British Water Polo: the life of elite performance sport”*

 (*contributed by Joanna Wray, British Water Polo’s World Class Programmes Manager)

• “The Increase in Funding in Rugby League”*

(*contributed by Rod Findlay Partner, Sports Law Unit, McDaniel & Co. Solicitors, Newcastle upon Tyne and Chairman, Gateshead Thunder Rugby League Club)