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.
The funding commitment, which was outlined in the Spending Review
last week, has now been set out by Culture Secretary .
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.
Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, , said:
"Sport tells our national story in a way few other things can –
uniting communities, inspiring millions, and showcasing our
nation on the global stage.
"This major backing for world-class events will drive economic
growth across the country, delivering on our Plan for Change.
Coupled with strong investment into grassroots sport, we're
creating a complete pathway to allow the next generation of
sporting heroes to train and take part in sport in communities
across the UK. "
This investment is central to the Government's commitment to
delivering major sporting events with pride and impact and stands
alongside ongoing work with partners in the sport sector and
across the UK. The pipeline of major events already secured
includes this Summer's Women's Rugby World Cup in England, the
Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026, the ICC T20 Cricket women's and
men's World Cups (in 2026 and 2030 respectively), the Invictus
Games 2027 in Birmingham, and many other elite continental and
world championships.
Nick Webborn, Chair of UK Sport, said:
“We welcome the Government's ongoing commitment to hosting the
Tour De France, Tour De France Femmes and Euro 2028. These events
have huge potential to drive economic growth, bring people
together and inspire the next generation in communities across
the UK.
“We believe that live sport is a fundamental part of this
country's social fabric. We are really excited to be working with
the Government and support their commitment to secure the
pipeline of big events beyond 2028 to ensure we can continue to
reach, inspire and unite people in every corner of the country.”
Chris Boardman, Chair of Sport England said:
“The government's continued investment into grassroots sport
facilities is welcome news; the nation's pitches, pools and
leisure centres play a pivotal role in keeping people moving.
“With every £1 invested in community sport and physical activity
generating £4.20 in value for our economy, supporting grassroots
facilities isn't just good for public health — it's a smart
investment in the nation's social and economic wellbeing.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
