We've opened three funds focusing on a safe return to play and narrowing the inequalities gap in sport and physical activity. Find out more and see if the funds can help you.
We know this is a hugely challenging time for the sport and physical activity sector as the country deals with the outbreak of coronavirus (Covid-19).
Our two immediate priorities over this period are:
- Supporting the sector: action to ensure it comes through this period in as strong a position as possible
- Keeping the nation moving: doing everything we can to encourage people to stay active, wherever possible, which we think is now more important than ever.
Click on the links further down this page to find out more about this, including our funding support and Join the Movement campaign.
Latest government guidance
The government's roadmap for the easing of lockdown restrictions is made up of four steps, with Step 4 – which began on 19 July – now in force.
This means that:
- There are no set restrictions on how many people can take part in sport and physical activity, indoors and outdoors
- All forms of activities can take place without set restrictions. We advise you to refer to your national governing body’s (NGB’s) guidance where relevant
- All sports facilities can open, including ancillary facilities. There are no indoor capacity limits, however, venues may put in place some restrictions and guidance for enclosed areas
- Organised sport participation events such as (but not limited to) races, rides and organised walks can take place outdoors with no capacity caps for participants or spectators
- Government guidance for sport and physical activity will provide advice on how to reduce transmission when you're exercising.
Full information on the current rules and what they mean for sport and activity, are on our frequently asked questions (FAQs) page below.
You can also find out about the exemptions for elite sport, as well as information about facilities, travel and test and trace.
Return to play
We've compiled advice and guidance on how the sport and physical activity sector can prepare for a safe return to play.
Our support includes the current government guidance, research on what will help people return to play, plus advice for clubs, the professional workforce, volunteers and more.
Join the Movement
Our Join the Movement campaign is all about inspiring people to keep active during this time, pulling together trusted resources to help people do just that.
It's encouraging people to share their own ideas on social media.
Activity levels research
We know how and if people are getting active during this time will of course change.
We're working with Savanta ComRes to understand the true picture throughout this period, and how people view getting and keeping active.
Funding, flexibility and innovation
A £270 million package of government and National Lottery funding has been developed to help the sector through this crisis, including a Return to Play Fund.
We've also introduced flexibility in managing our existing support to individuals and organisations, are supporting innovators working on solutions to inequalities in activity levels worsened by coronavirus and are managing the government's £600m Sport Survival Package.
What happens next?
We worked with the government to help explain its restrictions, and how they impact sport and physical activity.
It's now important that as all facilities and activities are allowed to return, without any restrictions, that the sector does to in an inclusive and accessible manner.
