Sport has always meant a great deal to me. It brings people together, teaches discipline and gives young people a sense of purpose. Over the years, as a former president of a local football club and later as Junior Minister responsible for sport and youth, I have seen first-hand how powerful that influence can be, especially at grassroots level. For many young people, sport is not just an activity; it is structure, belonging and, at times, a lifeline.

The current discussion did not arise in a vacuum. It started with an agreement to help a number of children join football nurseries free of charge. The intention was clearly a good one: to open doors for those who might otherwise be left out and encourage participation in sport from a young age.

However, the involvement of a body linked to cannabis, even in a regulatory context, raised concerns about the message this might send, particularly where children are involved. In today's climate, where issues are quickly amplified and interpreted, it was perhaps inevitable that the matter would attract strong reactions and eventually take on a political dimension.

I think it is important to recognise the good intention behind the initiative. Helping more children access sport is something we should all support. Keeping young people involved in structured activities like football can only benefit them and steer them towards positive environments.

At the same time, sport is not just about participation. It is also about the values it represents. And that is where things become more delicate. Sport, especially at youth level, is often seen as a reference point for what is healthy, positive and worth aspiring to.

We have seen similar debates abroad. Gambling and alcohol sponsorship in sport have both been questioned, especially when it comes to their visibility to younger audiences. These discussions show that sport is increasingly being asked to reflect on where it draws the line and how it protects its credibility.

In this case, the fact that children are directly involved makes it more sensitive. When minors are concerned, expectations are naturally higher. Even when the intention is good, perception matters, and so does the message being sent, whether intended or not.

It would also be unrealistic not to say that the issue has now become, to some extent, a political football. Once something enters the public domain and generates strong views, it is easily drawn into wider narratives. That rarely helps a calm discussion and can shift attention away from the original objective.

For me, this is not about taking sides. It is about taking a step back. Perhaps this is a moment to reflect more carefully on how decisions like these are taken, how they are presented and how they are understood.

A bit more clarity from the outset, better coordination and clearer guidelines, especially where young people are involved, would help avoid situations like this becoming unnecessarily divisive or political.

At the end of the day, we all want the same thing: for sport to continue to play a positive role in society. Getting that balance right is not always easy, but it is something worth getting right.

Stefan Buontempo is a former Junior Minister and Labour Party MP