Villages, towns and cities across the UK are set to benefit from a transformational investment of more than £900 million in sport, which will support a pipeline of major international events and deliver new grassroots facilities that can drive economic growth and inspire people of all ages to get active, News Cover reports, citing UK government.
The funding commitment, which was outlined in the Spending Review last week, has now been set out by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy.
It will see more than £500 million committed to supporting the delivery of a host of world class sporting events being held in the UK over the coming years, including:
- The men’s and women’s Tour de France Grand Départs in 2027
- Men’s UEFA EURO 2028 - alongside Ireland
- The European Athletics Championships 2026 in Birmingham
These events are expected to deliver significant economic benefits, with EURO 2028 alone projected to generate up to £2.4 billion in socio-economic value across the UK.
Work is also continuing with the Home Nation football associations (FA)s and devolved administrations to develop the bid for the UK to host the Women’s FIFA World Cup in 2035.
In tandem at least £400 million will be invested in new and upgraded grassroots sport facilities that promote health, wellbeing and community cohesion. Work to remove the barriers to physical activity for under-represented groups, such as women and girls, people with disabilities, and ethnic minority communities will continue.
Already, government funding has helped local clubs from Ayrshire to Anglesey, Strangford to Somerset, build new pitches and changing rooms, install floodlights, solar panels and goalposts; supporting a range of sports including football and rugby.
Together, this strategic investment in sport will help to deliver on the government’s mission to kickstart economic growth by creating jobs, driving regional prosperity and encouraging visitors to the UK. It is also designed to reduce barriers to opportunity, bring communities together through shared national moments and showcase the best of the UK to the world.
