The Chief Executive of national sport for development charity Sported has called for greater support and recognition from Government for the role that community sport is playing in “cultivating a healthier society” and “addressing challenges such as community cohesion, inclusion crime prevention and employability”.

CEO Sarah Kaye was speaking following new research published by the charity, which overarches a network of more than 3000 community-based organisations across the UK. The research revealed that 85% of clubs and groups believe there is a lack of investment at community and grassroots level.

CHALLENGES

This follows worrying findings that half of those surveyed (55%) reported that young people within their group have either disengaged or reduced physical activity over the last six months with cost being cited as the main reason. Furthermore one in five said young people have restricted access to both sporting opportunities and activities. 

Other significant challenges raised included affordability in relation to renting facilities, maintenance and upkeep as well as running costs for those wanting to own their own facilities. 

The findings were included in the Winter 2024-25 edition of the Sported ‘Pulse Report’, produced in partnership with home security company Ring.

When asked what they would like to raise with their nation’s Sports Minister, respondents mentioned the creation of “a more equitable funding model with a greater focus on community groups and their needs”, as well as increased Government’s awareness of “the benefits of community sport and physical activity on all aspects of young people’s lives”.

UNDERESTIMATED

Sarah Kaye, CEO of Sported, told sported.org.uk: “Grassroots sport is an extraordinary tool for change in our communities and its impact should not be underestimated.

“They may deliver the next Harry Kane or Keely Hodgkinson. However groups and clubs do not always get the recognition they deserve from Government in creating real opportunities for our young people.

“All of them are addressing the challenge of cultivating a healthier society, but they are also incredibly effective in addressing challenges such as community cohesion, inclusion, crime prevention and employability.

“By empowering grassroots sport and investing into the ecosystem around it, there is a real return through sowing the seeds for a level playing field for our next generation, on and off the court or pitch.”

Read the Sported x Ring Pulse report for Winter 2024/25.

Story by Calvin de Villiers