Sport England plays a pivotal role in making physical activity and sport accessible to everyone across the country. As a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, invests millions each year to encourage people to get moving, whether through organized sports, casual walks, or community fitness programs. Its mission goes beyond just promoting exercise—it’s about transforming lives, building stronger communities, and addressing deep-rooted inequalities that prevent certain groups from being active.
At its core, Sport England focuses on creating a nation where movement is a natural part of daily life. With funding primarily from the National Lottery and government sources, it supports projects big and small that help reduce inactivity, especially among underrepresented groups like those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, people with disabilities, or ethnic minorities. In recent years, has seen record numbers of adults engaging in physical activity, proving that targeted efforts can make a real difference in public health and wellbeing.
The History and Evolution of Sport England
Sport England’s roots trace back to the early days of organized sports promotion in the UK. It was officially established in 1997 as part of the reorganization of the Sports Council, becoming the English Sports Council before rebranding to in 1999. This shift marked a dedicated focus on grassroots community sports in England, separate from UK-wide or other home nations’ bodies.
Over the decades, has adapted to changing needs. In the 2000s and 2010s, it played a key role in the London 2012 Olympics legacy, aiming to inspire a generation to get active. However, challenges like stubbornly static participation rates led to strategic shifts. Today, under leaders like Chair Chris Boardman and CEO Simon Hayes (who joined in 2025), emphasizes inclusivity and sustainability.
The organization has managed national sports centers like Bisham Abbey and Lilleshall, and it protects playing fields by consulting on planning applications that could affect them—a role that’s come under recent scrutiny with proposed government reforms.
Sport England’s evolution reflects broader societal changes, from post-war recreation promotion to tackling modern issues like obesity, mental health, and environmental sustainability.
Uniting the Movement: Sport England’s 10-Year Strategy
Launched in 2021, Uniting the Movement is Sport England’s ambitious 10-year vision to transform lives through sport and physical activity. This strategy emerged from extensive consultations during the pandemic, recognizing that top-down approaches often fail and that local, collaborative solutions are key.
At the heart of Uniting the Movement are five big issues: positive experiences for children and young people, connecting communities, active environments, supporting underrepresented groups, and leadership diversity. aims to tackle inequalities head-on, ensuring opportunities aren’t limited by background, postcode, or ability.
By 2025, four years in, progress includes expanded place-based pilots in deprived areas and campaigns promoting inclusivity. The strategy also integrates environmental goals with the Every Move action plan, encouraging sustainable practices in sports facilities.
“Uniting the Movement represents a turning point in how we see our role in the sport and physical activity sector.” – Tim Hollingsworth, former CEO of Sport England
Key Initiatives and Campaigns by Sport England
Sport England runs impactful campaigns that resonate with everyday people. The iconic This Girl Can, launched in 2015, celebrates women getting active without fear of judgment and has inspired millions.
We Are Undefeatable supports those with long-term health conditions, while Join the Movement helped during lockdowns by sharing home-based activity ideas. Recent efforts focus on environmental sustainability, tying activity to greener practices.
Initiatives like Buddle (replacing Club Matters) provide resources for community clubs, and place-based projects in high-inactivity areas foster local partnerships.
These campaigns use real stories and data to shift behaviors, proving expertise in behavioral change.
Sport England also advocates for policy changes, like protecting playing fields amid housing pressures.
Funding Opportunities Through Sport England
Sport England invests over £250 million annually, mostly from the National Lottery, into projects that boost activity levels. The current flagship is the Movement Fund, a £160 million pot offering grants from £300 to £15,000 or crowdfunding matches.
Priority goes to projects tackling inequalities, supporting inactive groups, or promoting sustainability. Eligible organizations include clubs, charities, and community groups—no need to be a formal sports body if you know your community well.
Past funds like the Small Grants Programme and Together Fund (post-Covid) helped thousands recover and innovate.
Here’s a table summarizing key funding aspects:
| Funding Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Source | National Lottery (two-thirds) and Government |
| Annual Investment | Over £250 million |
| Current Fund | Movement Fund (£160m over four years) |
| Grant Range | £300–£15,000 |
| Priorities | Inequalities, underrepresented groups, environmental sustainability |
| Application | Rolling, no deadlines; decisions in weeks |
Sport England encourages collaboration and long-term planning for sustainable impact.
Applying is straightforward online, with guidance for newcomers.
Research and Data: The Active Lives Survey
One of Sport England’s strongest tools is the Active Lives Survey, tracking adult and child activity levels since 2015. The latest 2023/24 data shows record highs: 63.7% of adults active (150+ minutes weekly), up significantly since 2016.
Children and young people’s surveys reveal attitudes and barriers, helping tailor interventions.
Data highlights persistent inequalities—lower activity in deprived areas or among certain demographics—but also successes in recovery post-pandemic.
Sport England shares this openly via tools like Active Places for facility mapping.
This evidence-based approach ensures investments target real needs.
“Every £1 invested in community sport and physical activity generates over £4 in social and economic value.” – Recent Sport England research
The Broader Impact of Sport England on Physical Activity
Sport England’s work has tangible effects: reduced NHS burdens, improved mental health, stronger communities, and economic boosts. Studies show community activity generates billions in wellbeing and health savings.
By focusing on inequalities, helps level the playing field, with gains in underrepresented groups.
Challenges remain—cost-of-living pressures, facility access—but progress is evident in rising participation.
Sport England collaborates with Active Partnerships and governing bodies for nationwide reach.
Its advocacy positions sport as vital for national priorities like health and net zero.
Conclusion
Sport England stands as a beacon for an active, inclusive England, driving change through smart investment, insightful data, and unifying strategies like Uniting the Movement. From grassroots clubs to national campaigns, its efforts have lifted activity levels to records while chipping away at inequalities. As we look ahead, commitment to fairness, sustainability, and community-led solutions promises even greater impacts on health, happiness, and society.
FAQ
What is Sport England?
Sport England is a public body dedicated to promoting sport and physical activity across England. It invests funding, provides resources, and runs strategies to make movement accessible, tackling inequalities and boosting community health.
How does Sport England fund projects?
Sport England primarily uses National Lottery and government money. Through funds like the Movement Fund, it offers grants up to £15,000 for community projects focused on inactivity, inequalities, and sustainability.
What is Uniting the Movement?
Uniting the Movement is Sport England’s 10-year strategy launched in 2021. It aims to transform lives by addressing five big issues, promoting collaboration, and ensuring sport and activity benefit everyone equally.
How can I find out about activity levels in my area?
Use Sport England’s Active Lives tools and data dashboards. They provide detailed breakdowns by demographics, location, and activity type from ongoing surveys.
Why is protecting playing fields important to Sport England?
Sport England consults on planning applications affecting fields to preserve spaces for activity. Recent concerns highlight risks to community access, especially in deprived areas.
