CCPR comments on Sport England Active People survey

Reacting to Sport England’s Active People research on sports participation released today, CCPR chair Brigid Simmonds OBE says that she is excited by the increases discovered.

“The figures show that participation rates are moving in the right direction - that momentum is critical. Governing bodies, supported by Sport England, are succeeding in creating quality opportunities for people across the country. With the right support, that opportunity was always there and the new focus at Sport England has helped governing bodies of sport deliver. There are still areas where more work needs to be done. For example, too few women are playing sport but nevertheless this a sign of real progress and Sport England and governing bodies should be congratulated on their success.

“The data also demonstrates that investment in sport pays off. Ministers could do much more to support the sector by removing unnecessary bureaucracy and by reducing costs which are crippling many sports clubs. With space and investment to grow, community clubs can make real differences, as the data shows.”