Sport plays an integral part in our national identity—it brings communities together through physical activity, provides moments of national unity and celebration, and supports growth through investment in our cities, towns and villages. In short, sport and physical activity allow us to showcase the best of our country on a global stage. That is why this Government are committing over £900 million of investment into major sporting events and grassroots facilities over this spending review period, supporting our plan for change.
This funding will provide investment in events that captivate global audiences, strengthen the UK’s position as a world leader in sport, and support our mission to kick-start economic growth by creating jobs, driving regional prosperity and encouraging visitors to the UK. The investment in grassroots facilities will ensure that everyone who wants to participate in sport and physical activity will have the opportunity to be active—ensuring a healthier nation, reducing barriers to opportunity and bringing communities together. It will see more than £500 million committed to supporting the delivery of a host of world-class sporting events being held in the UK over the coming years, including:
The men’s and women’s Tour de France Grand Départ in 2027
The men’s 2028 UEFA European Football Championship—alongside Ireland
The European Athletics Championships 2026 in Birmingham.
These events will deliver significant economic benefits, with Euro 2028 alone projected to generate up to £2.4 billion in socioeconomic value across all parts of the UK.
Work is also continuing with the home nation football associations and devolved Governments to develop the bid for the UK to host the FIFA women’s world cup in 2035.
Alongside this investment in major sporting events, at least £400 million will be invested in new and upgraded grassroots sport facilities across the UK that support and improve access to better health, active lifestyles, wellbeing and community cohesion. We will prioritise underserved places, working closely with sporting bodies, devolved Government and local leaders to establish what each community needs, and then set out further plans. This will include a stronger focus on removing the barriers for groups such as women and girls, people with disabilities, ethnic minority communities and those in the most deprived neighbourhoods.
This investment will build on the Government funding being delivered this year, which is already helping local clubs and communities build new pitches and changing rooms, and install floodlights, solar panels and goalposts—enabling people of all backgrounds to play a wide range of sports, in communities across every part of the United Kingdom.
This funding demonstrates the Government’s belief in the power of sport—from global events to local facilities—to unite, inspire and improve lives across the country.
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