Using the photograph, identify two characteristics of this area that may reduce accessibility for visiting football supporters.

Outline one reason why some city stadiums have a large sphere of influence.

Suggest how large numbers of visitors in an area such as this could have one positive economic impact for local communities.

Suggest how large numbers of visitors in an area such as this could have one negative economic impact for local communities.

Award [1] for each characteristic inferred or identified.

Possibilities include:

• parking-no parking spaces shown
• congestion-narrow streets
• lack of main road / railway / public transport.

Award [1] for a valid reason relating to the sports or leisure hierarchy and [1] for development/explanation/exemplification.

For example: The team that plays there has a high status [1] people are prepared to travel long distances to see them play [1].

Other possibilities include:

• city is well-connected therefore people can travel from long distances
• stadium is used for other events e.g. music festivals attracting international visitors.

Award [1] for a valid impact and up to [2] for development / explanation/ exemplification.

For example, employment opportunities [1] as a result of multiplier effects built around the stadium e.g. catering jobs [1] providing long term economic sustainability [1].

Other impacts include:

• improved transport leading to more visitor spending
• increased income to local businesses

Award [1] for a valid impact and up to [2] for development/ explanation/ exemplification.

For example: rental prices for houses increase due to Airbnb [1] placing them beyond reach of some local people [1] resulting economic costs of relocating elsewhere [1].

Other possibilities include:

• increased costs for security / police / waste management
• increased congestion increases cost of transport
• TNCs are attracted to such venues and may take income away from local businesses.

Many were able to note two characteristics relating to accessibility but many incorrectly referred to high population/housing density or whether there was accommodation available. A surprising number thought that this was a rural area.

Many had no idea what the sphere of influence meant but those that did were able to use an example to demonstrate the reason. Several candidates confused threshold with sphere of influence.

Some very descriptive answers with most understanding the positive economic impact but struggling with the negative economic impact, often citing an environmental impact.