The CCPR's Subs for Clubs event in Westminster highlighted a campaign to provide more tax relief for sports clubs that offer sporting activities for children.

Mr Barker said, "Sport and recreation clubs are a vital part of our social fabric.

"There are dozens of clubs in the constituency that do a fantastic job providing sports facilities for children.

"Many of them are run by volunteers who put in a lot of time and effort to give our kids the chance to take part in sports.

"They deserve more support, and providing tax relief on junior subscriptions is a great way of giving them that.

"I am asking the government to expand the Gift Aid scheme to help children's sports.

"It can make all the difference in boosting sports participation by children in the run up to the 2012 Games."

CCPR is calling on the government to enhance the benefits of the Community Amateur Sports Club Scheme which more than 4,450 clubs have already signed up for.

Clubs offering activities popular with children have been the slowest to join the scheme which is why CCPR believes the introduction of Gift Aid on junior subscriptions would be of significant benefit.

Footballer John Barnes said, "Sport should always be high up the political agenda.

"I know from my experience as a player, as a coach and as an ambassador for Access Sport, the power that sport has to unite communities, to build confidence, to teach new skills and to help people get fit and healthy.

"The support of local MPs is a vital part of that work and this event showed just how strong that support is.

"This campaign is about getting kids active and healthy and about recognising the amazing work that amateur sports clubs do around the country."

And Brigid Simmonds, chair of CCPR, added, "We are working hard to develop sport and recreation across the UK and this was a great occasion to explore with MP's how we could work together to improve sporting opportunities in local communities and clubs.

"We're delighted that Gregory Barker is backing our campaign."