"The opportunity now is to turn intent into action. We stand ready to work with national and local partners to scale what works and close the gap between policy and practice"

Today, the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee published its Game On report into community and school sport. 

Having given evidence to this inquiry, we are encouraged to see many of the recommendations that have been set out.

You can read the full response from our Chief Executive, Helen Rowbotham, below.

We’re proud to see Access Sport’s evidence submission recognised alongside many of our partners across the sector.

It’s no surprise that the report highlights persistent inequalities in access to community sport. Where you grow up, your income, and whether you have a disability still shape your opportunity to participate.

What stands out is that while the challenges are well documented - underfunded facilities, pressure on grassroots clubs, and fragmented support - the solutions are already being demonstrated at a local level.

Organisations like Access Sport are doing exactly what the report calls for: working directly with disadvantaged and disabled young people, supporting community clubs and organisations, and breaking down barriers to participation.

So the question is: if we know what works, why aren’t we scaling it?

Sport isn’t just about activity - it shapes health, life chances, community engagement and a sense of belonging. Addressing unequal access isn’t a “nice to have”, it’s fundamental.

The opportunity now is to turn intent into action. We stand ready to work with national and local partners to scale what works and close the gap between policy and practice - because the cost of inaction is continued inequality, and that is no longer acceptable.

You can read the full report by clicking the link below.
Game on Report > 

If you believe in the power of inclusive community sport to change young lives, please consider supporting our work. 

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