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Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Bill

My Lords, I know that this is an issue in which the noble Lord has taken considerable interest in this and previous debates, and it is one to which the Government are committed. Coaches play a critical role in Sport England’s strategy to build a world-leading community sport system and getting 1 million more adults doing more sport by 2012-13. Sport England is making available £480 million to national governing bodies of sport over 2009-13 to drive the development of their sports to deliver these goals. Of this, at least £100 million will be invested in coaching. While the bulk of funding comes from Sport England, I confirm that the Skills Funding Agency will be able to fund sports coaches where appropriate. Clause 84 allows for the chief executive of Skills Funding to provide financial support to any adult receiving, or proposing to receive, education or training falling within the chief executive’s remit, which might include those being trained as sports coaches, whether they are volunteers or not. Volunteers within community amateur sports clubs may be eligible for some funding from the Skills Funding Agency towards the costs of training, though it is likely that they would also have to make a contribution. However, some learners will be able to have access to full fee remission. They will include those on means-tested benefits, and those who are eligible for the adult entitlements as set out in Clauses 85, 86, 87 and Schedule 5. We place enormous store on the importance of more informal learning for personal, family and community development. We want more individuals to participate in learning generally, and for colleges and others to continue to provide a wide range of opportunities for informal learning, including opportunities for volunteering. While I recognise the particular contribution of volunteers at community amateur sports clubs, I hope the noble Lord will recognise that it would be impractical to list all categories of learners who may be eligible for funding on the face of the Bill. I hope that, on that basis, the noble Lord will feel able to withdraw the amendment.