Provision of Sport and Physical Activity

Public Sector Provision

Public sector organisations such as local councils and schools play a key role in providing opportunities for sport and physical activity.
They offer facilities like public swimming pools, gymnasiums and sports halls for community use.
These organisations often run community initiatives designed to increase participation in sport and physical activity, particularly among underrepresented groups.
Public sector provision is often subsidised or free, making it accessible to a broad range of people.

The private sector includes businesses such as private gyms, leisure centres, and sports clubs.
These entities tend to focus on profit-making and provide high-quality facilities or specialised coaching/training services.
Membership and usage fees can be higher in the private sector, but participants often benefit from superior equipment, facilities and services.
Some private sector organisations also partner with public sector bodies or sports governing bodies for events or community projects.

Voluntary sector organisations include sports clubs and associations run largely by volunteers.
Many grassroots sports clubs fall into this category, providing opportunities for amateur athletes to participate in their chosen sport.
Voluntary sector provision might also include charity-led initiatives promoting physical activity within the community.
These organisations often rely on funding from donations and fundraisers, as well as occasional grants from sports governing bodies or local authorities.

National governing bodies (NGBs) are organisations tasked with overseeing a sport at the national level.
They are responsible for developing their sport, implementing rules and regulations, and organising competitions and events.
NGBs often provide training and accreditation for coaches and officials in their sport.
While they are not directly involved in delivering sport and physical activity provision, their role is pivotal in setting standards and promoting participation.

Schools play a crucial role in delivering sport and physical activity to young people.
Physical Education (PE) is a mandatory part of the curriculum, ensuring that all children are exposed to a range of sports and physical activities.
Schools are also responsible for creating a culture of physical activity, offering extracurricular activities such as sports clubs and team sports.
Sport in schools is often linked to wider health and wellbeing agendas, promoting the benefits of regular physical activity and encouraging lifelong participation.