Community sport is often discussed through talent pipelines and trophies, but most of its value appears long before an athlete reaches an elite level.
Why it matters
A safe, maintained ground gives young people somewhere to practise, coaches a place to teach, families a reason to gather, and a neighbourhood a shared calendar.
The result that matters most may be how many people return next week.
Investment should be judged by access and regular use as well as by the number of tournaments a facility can host.