Areas for future development of sport

Access and Engagement

Increasing inclusivity is a major area of development, ensuring all demographics, including those with disabilities, from diverse racial and economic backgrounds, have access to sport and active leisure opportunities.
Engaging inactive populations can be a challenge. Strategies such as offer walks, cycle rides, and other forms of low-intensity exercise could be attractive to these groups.
Promoting mental health and well-being through sport and active leisure participation has gained increasing attention.

Digital and Technology Integration

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) offer potential to develop new ways to engage in sport. For example, VR can be used to simulate sports games or AR to enhance gym workouts.
Wearable technology such as fitness trackers, can help motivate, monitor performance and potentially prevent injury.
Online coaching and personal training, provides flexible fitness solutions, making sport and active leisure activities more accessible.

Facility Development

Multi-use facilities that cater for a variety of sports and active leisure activities may optimise space and attract a wider range of users.
Environmentally sustainable facilities minimise their carbon footprint through use of renewable energy sources, water recycling systems, and other green practices.
Developing innovative public spaces such as transforming urban areas into activity-friendly landscapes, could promote sport and active leisure.

Policy and Governance

Strategies to improve fairness, transparency, and integrity in sport are needed, addressing issues like doping, corruption and match-fixing.
Policies should aim to promote safe practices in sport and active leisure, such as preventing injuries, ensuring appropriate supervision, and safeguarding vulnerable participants.
There is a need to continue to develop and revise regulations in line with research, technological advancements and emerging sports.

Social and Community Measures

Social marketing campaigns, like Sport England’s This Girl Can, can inspire increased participation and tackle stereotypes.
Programmes promoting youth sport development are crucial, targeting physical literacy skills and overall fitness from an early age.
Developing partnerships and collaborations between various sectors (public, private, voluntary) can help resource distribution and promote active communities effectively.