New funding for green sports initiatives

Chris Boardman, Sport England Chair explained....

"There are two big reasons why our sector must lead the way. First, extreme weather and environmental pollution – whether that’s to our pitches, courts or waterways – is having a devastating impact on physical activity levels. It’s damaging our nation’s health and productivity. Second, sport has a unique global megaphone and influence on wider society. By leading the way and advocating for change, we can inspire wider society to act."

The financial commitment comes as research illustrates this "devastating impact" that climate change is having on our ability to play sport and be active. More than half of players have had activity cancelled in the past year as a result of extreme weather, while women and those on lower incomes are worst impacted and doing less activity as a consequence.

Sport and physical activity organisations can bid for between £300 and £15,000 from the Movement Fund to promote environmental sustainability.

The Sport England Sustainability Fund provides examples of projects that might be successful, including reducing energy use through solar panels and electric batteries; reducing waste and single-use plastics; and measures to improve resilience and risk of flooding of sports pitches.

To be successful, projects must be aligned with one of six Every Move criteria:

• Carbon emissions: travel and facilities
• Circular economy: supply chains, products and waste
• Blue-green environment quality and use  
• Biodiversity  
• Adapting to climate change and extreme weather events
• Just transition: inequalities, inclusion and participation

Responding to the annoucement, Orla Moore (HSP lead for Environmental Sustainability) commented.....

"This is a great boost for the sport and physical activity sector and provides much needed resourses to support healthy people and a healthy planet".

To maximise the funds on offer, HSP has created an exciting support package. In partnership with Funding4Sport,  a specialist sport and physical activity bid writing service, we will  provide FREE support for sport clubs or organisations, to help them access the funding for their projects linked to environmental sustainability. Please click here for more detail about the offer and to register your interest.