The Chief Executives of the 'Big 4' National Governing Bodies (NGBs) of sport - the FA, ECB, RFU and the LTA - today called on the Chancellor in his next Budget, to introduce Inland Revenue tax exemptions for voluntary sports clubs to prevent some of them facing financial insolvency and disappearing from local communities all over the country.

Reacting to new research today showing increased levels of diabetes and the prevalence of a 'couch potato culture' amongst children, Tim Lamb, Chief Executive of the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB), said:

"Bearing in mind that our schools offer less Physical Education (PE) than anywhere else in Europe and that only 1 in 3 offer two hours of PE per week, it is clear that the 110,000 voluntary sports clubs up and down the country offer the only realistic chance for many children to gain exercise by playing sport in their local communities.

"However, many voluntary sports clubs are facing huge financial problems and desperately need tax exemptions from the Government in order to survive. NGB's are, however, implacably opposed - as seemingly favoured by the Government - to voluntary sports clubs having to become charities to gain tax exemptions".

Echoing Tim Lamb's comments, Adam Crozier, Chief Executive of the Football Association, said:

"Everyone at the FA is firmly committed to encouraging youngsters into playing football. It is very important that both boys and girls have the opportunity to participate in sporting activities. Sport not only provides a healthy lifestyle but also instils basic impersonal skills such as teamwork, discipline and respect for others. We fully appreciate the work of the 110,000 voluntary sports clubs who provide a platform for children to experience sporting activities".

© ECB