National and local strategies for sport and physical activity

National Strategies for Sport and Physical Activity

The UK government has established numerous strategies to increase participation in sports and physical activity. A key document is the ‘Sporting Future: A New Strategy for an Active Nation.’
The overall aim of these strategies is to make sport and physical activity a part of everyday life, driving improvement in physical health and mental wellbeing, individual development, social and community development, and economic development.
There is a specific focus on diversity and inclusivity, ensuring everyone has equal access to sport and physical activity.

Sport England is a major driver of these national strategies. It receives funding from the government and the National Lottery.
‘Toward An Active Nation’ is one of their most significant strategies. It outlines a new, wider approach to encouraging people to get active, particularly focusing on those groups who traditionally do less sport and physical activity.
Five strategic outcomes are articulated by Sport England: Physical Wellbeing, Mental Wellbeing, Individual Development, Social & Community Development, Economic Development.

UK Sport’s strategy focuses on maintaining and strengthening the UK’s position in international competition.
They aim for success by supporting athletes and providing world-class resources to help them achieve their potential.

Local authorities implement local strategies for sports and physical activity. These are typically guided by the Local Development Framework, a collection of local planning documents.
These strategies aim to provide accessible and affordable sport and physical activity options for everyone in the community, with a particular focus on tackling inactivity and promoting healthy behaviours.

Local strategies play a crucial role in delivering on national aims, recognising that different areas have diverse needs.
Utilising local knowledge is key, as it aids in the development of appropriate, effective strategies to increase participation and promote positive attitudes towards sport and physical activity within the community.

Partnerships with local businesses, sports clubs, schools, and voluntary organisations can help in promoting sport and physical activity.
Collaboration helps to pool resources, share expertise, and reach a wider audience, maximising the impact of local strategies.

Community Sports Partnerships (CSPs) are local networks of various organisations committed to increasing participation in sport and physical activity.
CSPs establish initiatives tailored to their local context, with the goal of making sport available and accessible to people of all ages and abilities.