How is the investment being spent?
The initial investment from Sport England is to support a discovery phase in each of the four places, to start building the foundations for long-term change. It will contribute to:
- Capacity building, including training and development for local leaders and workforce.
- Community engagement activities to listen, learn and involve residents in shaping priorities, ensuring diverse voices are heard. It’s about understanding and tackling the root causes of inactivity, not just the symptoms.
- Test and learn interventions for small pilot projects to see what works and to find new ways to overcome barriers to being active.
- Insight and evaluation to help understand local need and capture learning to inform future investment.
- Laying the groundwork for system change by strengthening partnerships and creating structures that will last beyond this investment.
To ensure transparency and impact, local governance structures will be formally established in each of the four identified places, with dedicated Boards guiding how the funding is allocated and spent. All informed by local organisations and residents.
Which organisations are involved?
A wide range of organisations are, or will be, involved in this work across the four places including:
- Local Authorities | NHS | Public Health | Education | Job Centres | Voluntary and Community Sector Organisations | Youth Services e.g. Family Hubs | Housing Associations | Faith Groups | Police | Leisure Operators | Community Interest Companies | National Governing Bodies of Sport | Transport Planners | Planning Authorities |
This is not an exhaustive list because no single organisation can solve these challenges alone. Real, systemic change requires shared ownership and collective action.
Can I apply for funding for my activity or session?
Delivery funding for providers or programmes will come after the discovery phase and at the second stage of Sport England’s Place Partnerships investment process, if determined by the communities and their needs. It is estimated that the discovery phase will end mid to late 2026.
I already work in these areas, so can I get involved?
Absolutely. Understanding what is already happening locally is a vital part of this work and we want to accelerate or complement existing work in these areas.
