Sport England allocates £4M to bridge gaps in sports access

In a transformative move, Sport England has allocated over £4 million to initiatives to reduce disparities in access to sports and physical activities. This substantial funding was distributed through a special pilot fund for six weeks between December 2023 and January 2024. Its goal was to enhance participation in physical activities and reduce inactivity among underprivileged communities.

Details of the funding initiative
Eighteen projects received grants ranging from £174,669 to £250,000, aggregating to £4,200,164 sourced from the National Lottery. This funding was specifically targeted at more than 60 organizations whose financial needs exceeded those of traditional small-scale recipients but did not reach those of larger system partners.

The intent was to support projects led by those who have firsthand experience of the challenges faced by marginalized groups. To qualify for funding, the proposals needed to cater to multiple underserved communities.

Spectrum of funded activities
The projects that received funding covered diverse activities:

10 initiatives emphasized general physical activities, including both indoor and outdoor options like walking and yoga.
7 projects were dedicated to traditional sports, such as football, rugby, swimming, running, cycling, and ice skating.
1 comprehensive project offered a mix of both traditional sports and general physical activities.
This funding pilot explored new funding strategies and operational methods ahead of Sport England's upcoming Movement Fund, which will launch in April.

Moving forward
Phil Smith, Sport England’s Executive Director of Partnerships, underscored the ongoing commitment to eliminating access barriers to active lifestyles. This pilot fund is a pivotal effort in identifying effective strategies to ensure that everyone can engage in sporting activities regardless of economic or social barriers.

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