We are delighted to have an encouraging response from a London MP and the Chair of Public Accounts Committee at the Houses of Parliament, who recently published a report on this issue (available to read here).

They said 'It is disappointing to hear that children from disadvantaged backgrounds are being shut out of the sports they love due to avoidable financial costs.' Furthermore, they have raised this issue with the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lucy Frazer.

We will of course keep you updated with the response.

Huge thanks to the petition supporter who raised this, your comments and support that ensured they paid attention.

Given how strongly many of you feel about this we would encourage you to engage your local MP or elected representatives. You can easily do this via this link here.

Just follow their easy guide and please let Gertrude know email here if you get any responses so that we can update the community.