Government promises £100million to upgrade sports facilities across UK

The Government has pledged £100million to upgrade sports facilities across the UK in an effort to drive up participation among under-represented groups.

The funding, which will provide new and improved pitches, changing rooms, goalposts and floodlights, will be targeted at deprived areas in a bid to improve participation levels among women and girls, ethnic minority groups and disabled people.

The Government said at least 40 per cent of the funding would go to multi-sport facilities, ensuring people can participate in sports other than football.

Clubs and organisations across the UK are now being urged to come forward and apply for funding, with money to be invested in 2025-26.

The funding is intended to help tackle persistent health inequalities.

Physical inactivity is associated with one in six deaths in the UK, which costs the taxpayer billions each year and exacerbates existing inequalities.

Data gathered by grassroots funding body Sport England has found access to appropriate facilities is one of the key barriers to activity.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “Grassroots sport clubs are at the heart of communities across the UK. That’s why we’re investing £100million to support new and upgraded pitches, changing rooms and clubhouses across the country, providing transformational funding to the areas that need it most.

“As we deliver our Plan for Change, we will remove barriers to an active lifestyle and increase opportunity for all, ensuring that wherever people may live, they can access high quality sports facilities and experience the joy that sport brings.”

The funding follows a pledge from Nandy to inspire the next generation, as England’s women’s football team prepare to defend their European title in Switzerland this summer and England, Scotland and Wales prepare to host the men’s European Championship alongside the Republic of Ireland in 2028.

Published: 21/03/2025 by Radio NewsHub