Fri, June 20, 2025
UK government to invest £900 million in major sporting events and grassroots sport
The UK Government has announced that it will invest £900 million in major sporting events and grassroots sport which is a “game changer for the nation.” This forms part of the government’s Plan for Change.
£500 million will help fund the UEFA Euro 2028, Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes Grand Départs 2027, and the European Athletics Championships 2026, all of which will be hosted in the UK. The UK has also already secured this summer’s Women’s Rugby World Cup in England, the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026, the ICC T20 Cricket women’s and men’s World Cups (in 2026 and 2030 respectively), the Invictus Games 2027 in Birmingham, and many other elite continental and world championships.
The remainder of the money will be spent on new and upgraded grassroots sport facilities in communities across the UK. This includes building new pitches and changing rooms and installing floodlights, solar panels and goalposts.
The government also announced plans for a new School Sport Partnerships and Enrichment Framework for schools to ensure all young people have equal access to high-quality sport and extracurricular activity.
The aim is to “drive economic growth and inspire people of all ages to get active.” The initiative will create jobs and boost tourism. EURO 2028 alone is expected to generate £2.4 billion in socio-economic value within the UK. The government is also working on developing a bid for the UK to host the Women’s FIFA World Cup 2035.
Additionally, this money will help “remove the barriers to physical activity for under-represented groups, such as women and girls, people with disabilities, and ethnic minorities.”
Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, expressed: “Sport tells our national story in a way few other things can – uniting communities, inspiring millions, and showcasing our nation on the global stage…
This major backing for world-class events will drive economic growth across the country, delivering on our Plan for Change. Coupled with strong investment into grassroots sport, we’re creating a complete pathway to allow the next generation of sporting heroes to train and take part in sport in communities across the UK.”
Nick Webborn, Chair of UK Sport, voiced: “We welcome the government’s ongoing commitment to hosting the Tour De France, Tour De France Femmes and Euro 2028. These events have huge potential to drive economic growth, bring people together and inspire the next generation in communities across the UK…
We believe that live sport is a fundamental part of this country’s social fabric. We are really excited to be working with the government and support their commitment to secure the pipeline of big events beyond 2028 to ensure we can continue to reach, inspire and unite people in every corner of the country.”
Chris Boardman, Chair of Sport England, stated: “The government’s continued investment into grassroots sport facilities is welcome news; the nation’s pitches, pools and leisure centres play a pivotal role in keeping people moving…
With every £1 invested in community sport and physical activity generating £4.20 in value for our economy, supporting grassroots facilities isn’t just good for public health — it’s a smart investment in the nation’s social and economic wellbeing.”
