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Sports provision and performance to be the focus of a special Scrutiny hearing

The Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel will question the Minister for Infrastructure in a public hearing focusing on the provision of sports in Jersey and the performance pathways that are available to the Island’s top sportsmen and women.

The hearing has been scheduled following the publication of plans by the Government for the redevelopment of Fort Regent and the transfer of sports groups and organisations which use the site to other facilities across the Island.

In 2024, the Minister for Sustainable Economic Development, Deputy Kirsten Morel, delegated oversight of sport policy, the promotion of sport and the development of sport to Connétable Andy Jehan as an Assistant Minister for Sustainable Economic Development. Connétable Jehan also holds responsibility for sports facilities in his role as Minister for Infrastructure.

Chair of the Panel, Deputy Montfort Tadier, said: ‘Sport plays a significant role in the lives of many people in Jersey and naturally people are passionate about what the Island has to offer in this area. Since the Government revealed its plans for the future of Fort Regent there has been a lot of public and social discussion about the impact its closure will have on the clubs and organisations which currently use it.'

'While the Government has outlined plans to transfer many of these to other facilities across the Island, concerns have been raised by some about the suitability of the chosen venues and the long-term plans. This summer, the Island’s top sportswomen and men will represent Jersey at the Island Games in Orkney. It is a tournament in which Jersey has had huge success in the past, and I am sure it will be the same again this year. It is important, therefore, that we ensure that our sports clubs - whether they be at the grassroots level or supporting top athletes - have the appropriate infrastructure, support and funding in place.’

The Panel would like to hear from sports clubs and organisations about the challenges they are facing and what the key issues are within the sector. Individual sportsmen and women are also welcome to share their views. The Panel is asking Islanders to submit their questions and comments via email to scrutiny@gov.je so they can be considered. The closing date for submissions is Friday 6th June 2025.

The Panel will also be holding a pop-up stand at Charing Cross in St. Helier on Friday 6th June between 12pm and 1.30pm where members of the public, sports groups and organisations and individual athletes can share their views with Members in person.

The hearing is due to take place on Thursday 12 June 2025 in the Le Capelain Room in the States building. Members of the public are welcome to attend in person. It will also be streamed online via the States Assembly website and on YouTube.