Legal firm right to challenge the unjust lockdown of children’s sport in Northern Ireland

Children, like adults, benefit both physically and mentally from sports activity, but have been largely deprived of such opportunities since March.

There have been sporadic periods of activity when lockdown eased during the summer and early autumn but the so-called “circuit-breaker” imposed by the Stormont Executive last month again halted the vast majority of children’s sport, and indeed all but “elite sport” involving adults.

The ban on children’s sport outdoors is harsh and will surely cause damage in the short, medium and long term, while there is little evidence to suggest it will have any impact on driving down coronavirus infection rates. Childhood obesity continues to be a significant concern and yet the ban on children’s sport will only perpetuate that. Then there are the mental health benefits of sporting activity which are being lost.

Scientific experts have said that the risks of infection in an outdoor setting are minimal, which makes the continued ban all the more puzzling. It is hard to reconcile how indoor gyms, for instance, have been able to stay open during the current restrictions while activity in the fresh air was halted.

Northern Ireland’s major sporting bodies have been largely silent over the ban on grassroots sport, which is surprising and disappointing. Contrast their apparent accepting of the restrictions with the proactive lobbying from the hospitality and retail sectors.

It is disappointing that it has required a firm of solicitors from Magherafelt, on behalf of a young footballer, to bring this issue to the fore. John J.McNally & Co from Mid Ulster area are to be applauded for taking this case on behalf of an eight-year-old child and putting the pressure on politicians who have too often imposed unilateral restrictions on key aspects of society without considering the long-term implications.