Sport England Announces New Funding

Sport England has announced it will invest £88m of National Lottery and government funding in grassroots sport across 26 national governing bodies of sport, in addition to two separate open funding programmes.

Cycling is set for the biggest award, with more than £17m being invested into the sport, while badminton – recently confirmed as one of five sports to lose all of its UK Sport funding – will receive £7.25m over the next four years.

Other big recipients include hockey (£9m), gymnastics (£8.3m) and cricket (£7.6m), who receive the funding from April next year.

In addition to direct funding to bodies, Sport England also launched two open funding programmes to help in bids for hosting major events and getting more people involved in their respective sports off the back of them.

£1m is available to prospective hosts to develop bids and a further £2m to engage a much broader range of people in and around major sporting events.

Speaking about all of our new investment opportunities, Phil Smith, Sport England’s director of sport, said: “I want to thank all the governing bodies we’ve worked with to agree solid plans. These investments allow governing bodies to reach the customers they know best, and provide them with their regular sport in the way they want it.

“These are investments in clubs, in coaches, in matches and in competitions – the ‘core market’ of sport.”

Jane Allen, CEO of British Gymnastics commented: “We are pleased with Sport England’s investment in gymnastics  which allows us to focus on the core business of providing more participation opportunities for children and young people. Sport England recognises the important role gymnastics can play in society by providing children with foundation skills for life. Perhaps some of those young people will go on to represent their country, but we are equally as passionate about being inclusive and giving children a great start in life – whatever their ambition.

“We want people of all ages and abilities working with our coaches, clubs and partners to enjoy their experience of being involved with British Gymnastics.”

Adrian Christy, CEO of Badminton England, added: “Our ‘Discover Badminton’ strategy outlines a very clear vision on how we intend to get more people picking up a racket and getting the nation playing. It is an exciting and ambitious blueprint on how we fully intend to continue to grow the game, offering a clear pathway from school hall to podium and building strong foundations for the core of our sport.”