Today, Sport England – working alongside System Partners and Sheffield Hallam University – published its latest report reviewing the effects of the cost of living on sport and physical activity.
The data highlights that while the amount of people who are active is close to returning to pre-pandemic levels, demonstrating a level of resilience across the sector, the rising cost of living is continuing to have an adverse effect on people’s ability and willingness to engage in sport and recreation, and – in particular – is exacerbating inequalities in activity levels.
The Alliance’s Head of Research, Ricky Boardman, who contributed to the report, says:
"The Sport and Recreation Alliance was pleased to play a leading role in developing this report alongside Sport England and other Sector Partners.
"In adopting a collaborative, cross-sector approach to the creation of the report, we were able to benefit from a diverse range of data and insight on the effects of the cost-of-living on the sector. This more collaborative method is something we will look to continue when assessing the impact of major societal issues on sport and recreation.
"The findings of the report bring into focus the challenges the costs of living have presented - and continue to present - across the sector, including issues around inequalities in participation, as well as on clubs and facilities, and the volunteers and professionals working within sport and recreation.
"The Alliance will continue to monitor the impact of the cost of living on our members and the sector more broadly, to help ensure vital sport and recreation can continue to be delivered to the nation.”
The National Sector Partners Group (NSPG) has written to the Prime Minister ahead of next week’s Spending Review to urge the Government to back the sector through a sustained plan for investment and a clear strategy for increasing participation in sport and physical activity.
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Yesterday, the Sport and Recreation Alliance hosted a session of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Sport and Physical Activity, which took the format of a roundtable discussion on the economic value of sport and physical activity.
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This week (12 -18 May) is Mental Health Awareness Week, spotlighting the theme of 'Community'. This focus underscores the profound impact that belonging and collective engagement have on our mental wellbeing.
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