Sport England’s Movement for Inclusion

Angie Evans

So, Sport England was officially established under its Royal Charter back in 1996, but its real mission goes beyond just the dates and formalities. It exists to tackle significant barriers in sport and physical activity—from reducing inequalities to making sure everyone, no matter their background, gender, or even their postcode, gets to benefit from it. And that’s not a small task, right, Pete?

Uncle Pete

Not at all, Angie. I mean, sport’s supposed to be the great leveler, but it’s not always a fair game out there. You’ve got wealth, geography, and, heck, sometimes even bad weather working against people getting active.

Angie Evans

Exactly. And that’s why their strategy focuses so deeply on tackling these inequalities. They’re trying to ensure that it’s not your bank balance or your family’s background dictating whether you can access a sport or even a simple fitness program. Everything they implement, it’s underpinned by the vision they outlined in their ten-year strategy called “Uniting the Movement.”

Uncle Pete

“Uniting the Movement.” Sounds like a superhero mission. What I like about it, though, is it’s ambitious. They’re not just throwing out policies—they’re actually trying to build teams with local communities, schools, businesses, you name it. But let’s backtrack for a sec—what’s this about them being held accountable to HM Treasury? That sounds pretty heavy duty.

Angie Evans

Oh, it is. Sport England operates under strict guidelines like the ones in HM Treasury’s “Managing Public Money.” That means everything they do has to align with ethical corporate governance standards, ensuring that taxpayer funding is used with propriety and value for money. It’s about being transparent, effective, and accountable for every penny they spend.

Uncle Pete

So they’ve got to deliver—and it’s not just about results but doing it the right way, hey? No sneaky shortcuts?

Angie Evans

Precisely. And one of the key elements is, they’re also classified as a central government organization and held to high standards of governance. They’re expected to uphold principles that are not only good for governance but also good for the communities they serve. And all of it ties directly into their overarching ambition: making sport and physical activity a norm for every individual in England.

Uncle Pete

That’s a tall order, though. When you think about it, there’s such a wide gap to bridge—kids in deprived areas, people with disabilities, even building access to simple community spaces. It’s like trying to clear all the hurdles in one go.

Angie Evans

It is, but it’s also why they’ve got this really strong focus on governance. Without a solid foundation—transparency, accountability, and strategic oversight—you can’t make those transformational changes last.

Uncle Pete

Makes sense. And hey, don’t get me wrong. I love that they’ve got such a clear sense of responsibility, but—I mean—doesn’t all this sound a bit... too serious? Like, where’s the fun in all this governance talk?

Angie Evans

Well, as serious as it sounds, all this planning enables sport and activity to be fun and accessible to everyone—especially the communities that need it the most. When they succeed in their governance, communities thrive. It’s all connected, Pete—you just have to look for that bigger picture.

Uncle Pete

Alright, fair enough. Big picture it is. So, here’s a question, Angie: how does Sport England actually bring this mission to life? You’ve mentioned principles and governance, but on the ground—what does that look like?

Angie Evans

That’s a great question, Pete. Bringing their mission to life is all about building partnerships. Sport England doesn’t work in isolation—they team up with local authorities, businesses, and community networks to translate their strategy, “Uniting the Movement,” into action. On the ground, it’s about creating meaningful and sustainable opportunities for people to get active and stay active.

Uncle Pete

Right, so they’re like—what—building a community dream team? Local councils, schools, businesses all pulling together?

Angie Evans

That’s one way to look at it. And a prime example of this is their focus on the legacy of the 2022 Commonwealth Games. The event itself wasn’t just about medals—it served as a catalyst for creating long-term community sports initiatives across the regions. They used the momentum to build infrastructure and programs that are still benefiting communities today.

Uncle Pete

Oh, I remember those Games. What was it... over a million people attended? It’s great to hear it wasn’t just a two-week stint of excitement and then curtains closed. So what kind of lasting impact are we talking about?

Angie Evans

Things like better spaces for sports participation, improved access for underrepresented groups, and initiatives targeted at areas with lower activity levels. They’ve really leant into what worked post-Games to support ongoing community engagement.

Uncle Pete

That’s what I love about this—when big flashy events like the Games actually ripple out to benefit the everyday person. It’s like using a turbo boost to recharge the whole nation.

Angie Evans

That’s the goal. And beyond just leveraging the Games, Sport England also promotes inclusivity through targeted programs. They’ve zeroed in on geographic and demographic inequalities, making sure that people—whether they’re in urban centers or rural villages—can connect through sport and physical activity. It’s all about connecting communities and improving health.

Uncle Pete

That’s powerful stuff. You know, it’s easy to spout buzzwords like “inclusivity” or “engagement,” but when it actually shows up in grassroots projects? That’s where the magic is. Like, little Jimmy in a village suddenly gets access to a proper football field, or Anna in a care home has weekly dance sessions—what you’re saying are real stories like that, right?

Angie Evans

Exactly, Pete. The impact is very real and very personal. And it’s part of why Sport England is so focused on fostering partnerships—they know they can’t do it alone. Their “Uniting the Movement” strategy isn’t just a slogan; it’s a collaborative effort to break down barriers and create lasting change.

Uncle Pete

You’re convincing me, Angie. Bit by bit, less about buzzwords and more about communities truly coming together. Alright, so what I’m curious about next—

Angie Evans

Great question, Pete. Building those real stories you mentioned—like Jimmy’s football field or Anna’s dance sessions—often starts with funding. Sport England’s grant system plays a huge role in that. They’ve created strategies to help local organizations not just build but sustain physical activity spaces and launch grassroots programs that leave a lasting impact.

Uncle Pete

Alright, hold on a second. You’re telling me they’re not just fixing broken benches on football fields but building systems that last? I like that. But give me an example—what does this look like in real life?

Angie Evans

Sure. Take their “Active Environments” approach, for instance. Using grant funding, they’ve helped transform neglected urban spaces into vibrant places where communities can stay active—whether it’s converting an old car park into a multi-use sports court or revamping local parks with better running paths and durable fitness equipment.

Uncle Pete

Now that’s something, isn’t it? Turning what was once a patch of abandoned concrete into a hub where people actually want to spend time. It’s not just physical—this stuff lifts a whole community’s spirit.

Angie Evans

Exactly, Pete. And beyond facilities, Sport England’s funding extends to programs that nurture inclusivity. For example, they’ve supported initiatives tailored to underrepresented groups—like women-only swimming classes or adaptive sports for individuals with disabilities. And it’s not just about providing access; it’s about crafting experiences that people genuinely connect with.

Uncle Pete

That’s fantastic. You know, once I saw this program in another town—walking football for over-50s—and I thought it was just a laugh. But the folks there? They weren’t just playing; they were boosting their health and making new friends. It’s like... it’s bigger than football.

Angie Evans

Exactly. It’s that ripple effect. When people get active, they’re not just more physically healthy—they become mentally stronger, socially connected, and even more likely to tackle other challenges in their lives. And that’s why these funding frameworks are a game-changer for shaping healthier, happier communities.

Uncle Pete

Wow. So, it’s not just money thrown at a problem—it’s money with thought, partnership, and, let’s say, ambition. Honestly, Angie, it sounds like Sport England’s vision is something everyone can get on board with. Now, let’s say somebody listening wants to tap into these resources—where would they even start?

Angie Evans

Great question, Pete. Sport England’s website is the first port of call. They’ve made it easy for local groups and councils to understand their funding opportunities and criteria. Plus, their resources walk you through creating more inclusive and impactful programs.

Uncle Pete

And those examples of success—like the football field revamps or targeted programs—man, they could inspire anyone to step up. It’s like Sport England’s not just running workshops—they’re sparking movements.

Angie Evans

Absolutely. Every funded initiative helps reimagine what’s possible for a community. And as we’ve seen, when people feel supported—whether through better spaces or inclusive programs—the results go beyond exercise. It's about building stronger, thriving communities.

Uncle Pete

Couldn’t agree more. Well, Angie, I think we’ve done justice to Sport England’s mission today. It’s been a blast digging into how they’re tackling inequalities and literally changing lives.

Angie Evans

It really has been. And to everyone listening, the biggest takeaway is that whether you’re part of a council, a club, or just someone with a great idea, the frameworks are there. Sport England’s mission—and funding—are designed to help you bring that idea to life and make a difference.

Uncle Pete

And on that uplifting note, we’ll call it a wrap. Here’s to building stronger communities, one game—or one little step—at a time. Thanks for tuning in, folks!

Angie Evans

Take care, everyone, and we’ll catch you next time on the Everyone Active Business Insights Podcast.