Latest news with #MaxWilkinson
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
A £1 million idea could serve up Britain's next Wimbledon tennis legend
Britain has a proud history of sending kids from grassroots courts to Grand Slam titles - but could the next Andy Murray be priced out of tennis Children in deprived areas should get free tennis lessons and equipment, the Lib Dems have said as Britain settles in for this weekend's Wimbledon finals. Ringfencing £1m for Tennis from the £400m pot set out at the Spending Review for grassroots sport could provide coaching and equipment for as many as 200,000 children, the party estimates. Max Wilkinson, the party's sport spokesman praised the "proud British tradition" of tennis stars journeying from local public courts to the Grand Slam circuit. But he said many youngsters are 'priced out' of the sport, and called on the government to do more to expand access to tennis as the world famous tournament comes to a close. 'We have a proud British tradition of fantastic tennis players starting out on grassroots courts and going on to grace the turf at Wimbledon – from Fred Perry to Andy Murray,' he said. 'Fantastic local coaches and tennis programmes make that journey happen across the country. But many are being priced out of tennis thanks to pay-to-play courts or lack of access to lessons, with many more feeling that the sport just isn't for them. 'This Wimbledon weekend, we're calling on the Government to introduce a dedicated, ringfenced fund that provides free tennis lessons and kit for children across the country – boosting their journey from their local courts to the Grand Slam circuit.' The Party's figures are based on a Lawn Tennis Association programme which charges families £5 for a racket, balls and coaching per child. Amanda Anisimova will take on Iga Świątek in today's women's singles final, with Jannik Sinner facing Carlos Alcaraz in tomorrow's Men's final.
BBC News
07-07-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
MPs could vote on Premier League free-to-air plan
MPs could be set to vote on a proposal to make at least 10 Premier League games available on free-to-air television each Liberal Democrats have tabled an amendment to the Football Governance Bill, which continues to make its way through legislation will establish a regulator that is independent from government and the sport's authorities to oversee the men's game in England's top five amendment would require it to ensure that the top-flight matches - along with the League Cup Final, and the Championship, League One and League Two play-off finals - would be Lib Dems say they are confident that a vote will be granted on the proposal. Last year, the party committed to widen public access to major sporting events by ensuring more are available to view without subscription TV packages. It says it favours a similar approach to one taken in Spain where La Liga must offer one free game a week to fans after a change in the law in Wilkinson MP, Lib Dem spokesperson for Culture, Media and Sport said: "I'm urging MPs of all stripes to back our amendment to tear down the paywall and make Premier League games available on free to air channels."For too long, the jewel in the crown of British football has been locked behind an expensive barrier that keeps fans out while lining the pockets of broadcasters."That must end today - with a free-to-air revolution that gives the Premier League back to the country."A spokesperson for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport said: "The government has no plans to review the listed events regime."The Premier League declined to legislation has now reached the report stage in the House of Commons.A similar amendment was tabled at the committee stage last the time, the Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock said: "The listed events regime have protected key moments such as the FA Cup Final while ensuring that the Premier League, EFL & FA are able to raise billions of pounds annually, which is invested back into the pyramid."We all want to see more matches being televised free-to-air, but that must be balanced against that investment and not risk it… It would not be appropriate for the regulator to intervene in commercial decisions between the relevant broadcasters and rights holders."The Lib Dems claim analysis of subscription prices shows that to watch each available Premier League game live next season fans will have to pay £660 a month, it was revealed Premier League television viewing figures on main live rights-holder Sky Sports were down 10% last season, while TNT Sports had a 17% reduction in its year-on-year figures.
Scottish Sun
07-07-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
MPs set to vote on making some Premier League matches free to air
Read on for the eye-watering prices fans must stump up to watch their favourite teams battle for the title FREE FOOTIE BID MPs set to vote on making some Premier League matches free to air Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A BID to make at least ten Premier League matches free to air will be voted on by MPs today. It would see a legal requirement for the games to be shown on non-subscription telly like the BBC or ITV. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up Fans fork out as much as £660 each year to watch top-flight football under existing commercial deals, according to the Lib Dems. The party has tabled an amendment to the Football Governance Bill trying to force through the changes, although it is unlikely to pass without government support. Culture spokesman Max Wilkinson said: 'For too long, the jewel in the crown of British football has been locked behind an expensive barrier. "It keeps fans out while lining the pockets of broadcasters. 'Fans are being rinsed of every last penny to watch the beautiful game. "The next generation of Bellinghams and Bronzes are priced out of the chance to see football played at the very top level. 'That must end today. "With a free to air revolution that gives the Premier League back to the country.' Premier League reveal new ball for next season after major brand change
The Sun
07-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
MPs set to vote on making some Premier League matches free to air
A BID to make at least ten Premier League matches free to air will be voted on by MPs today. It would see a legal requirement for the games to be shown on non-subscription telly like the BBC or ITV. Fans fork out as much as £660 each year to watch top-flight football under existing commercial deals, according to the Lib Dems. The party has tabled an amendment to the Football Governance Bill trying to force through the changes, although it is unlikely to pass without government support. Culture spokesman Max Wilkinson said: 'For too long, the jewel in the crown of British football has been locked behind an expensive barrier. "It keeps fans out while lining the pockets of broadcasters. 'Fans are being rinsed of every last penny to watch the beautiful game. "The next generation of Bellinghams and Bronzes are priced out of the chance to see football played at the very top level. 'That must end today. "With a free to air revolution that gives the Premier League back to the country.' Premier League reveal new ball for next season after major brand change 1
The Irish Sun
07-07-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
MPs set to vote on making some Premier League matches free to air
A BID to make at least ten Premier League matches free to air will be voted on by MPs today. It would see a legal requirement for the games to be shown on non-subscription telly like the BBC or ITV. Advertisement Fans fork out as much as £660 each year to watch top-flight football under existing commercial deals, according to the Lib Dems. The party has tabled an amendment to the Football Governance Bill trying to force through the changes, although it is unlikely to pass without government support. Culture spokesman Max Wilkinson said: 'For too long, the jewel in the crown of British football has been locked behind an expensive barrier. "It keeps fans out while lining the pockets of broadcasters. Advertisement READ MORE ON PREMIER LEAGUE 'Fans are being rinsed of every last penny to watch the beautiful game. "The next generation of 'That must end today. "With a free to air revolution that gives the Premier League back to the country.' Advertisement Most read in Football Premier League reveal new ball for next season after major brand change 1 Fans currently fork out as much as £660 each year to watch top-flight football Credit: Getty
