Sported, the UK's largest network of community groups, has launched the Keep the Doors Open campaign, to raise awareness of the threat which the cost-of-living crisis poses to community sports organisations - and the young people they support.
Research in the report identifies how the consequences of the economic climate are already being felt by community sport organisations and how there are real concerns about a significant drop in engagement and participation rates from the young people they support. The survey gathered data from 500 groups across the UK and found that:
- 93% of community sports groups across the UK admitted to fears about the impact of cost-of-living increases on their young people.
- 72% of community sports groups have already been forced into changes to offset the impact of cost-of-living increases.
- 67% of the groups surveyed expect the crisis will force many out of participating over the next six months - even when activities are free
This means tens of thousands of young people could miss out on sport and physical activity opportunities which play a huge part in their development, helping them deal with a wide range of issues. Sported’s urgent focus is to help these groups survive this winter so they can continue to support young people most in need – and then, longer term, to ensure they become sustainable with equitable access to affordable, reliable facilities.
Sported’s campaign aims to drive awareness and funds that will lead to the support that can help groups in most need through this challenging time. They are keen to hear from those who can support through the provision of any of the following;
- Grant funds to directly support community sports groups through this winter
- Increased capacity within Sported to help groups access funds, reduce costs, make new connections and signpost to other support.
- Share stories at scale that raise awareness of and support for grassroots sport
- Donations to help us support more groups now.
You can read the full data report here -
If you’d like to find out more, Sported will be holding a lunchtime online briefing on the Cost-Of-Living data on Tuesday 8 November at 12pm. The briefing will share the insights of the report and discuss how it impacts on the sport for development sector and the actions required. You can sign up here.