May 2019
Price: £95 PLUS VAT
Format: DOWNLOADABLE PDF
This conference assessed the future funding landscape for sport in the UK, following the publication of UK Sport’s new strategy on the long term funding of elite sport.
It examined public funding at both elite and grassroots levels, as well as potential opportunities for sports to diversify their funding sources and develop new revenue streams.
Delegates considered the new funding strategy, coming into effect from April 2021, which includes the introduction of a new ‘progression funding’ tier to allow sports that do not have medal-winning prospects the chance to receive UK Sport funding.
The seminar followed the Government’s announcement of a £3m Aspiration Fund for Olympic and Paralympic sports outside of the World Class Programme, lasting until the end of the 2020 Olympic cycle.
Discussion focused on the framework for future public funding allocations, as well as opportunities for attracting greater private investment and diversifying revenue streams, utilising assets, and tapping into opportunities around rights, broadcasting and sponsorship.
Further sessions examined the impact of a multi-sectoral, ‘whole-systems’ approach to addressing inactivity and delivering wider social and public health outcomes from investment in grassroots sport. This followed the publication of the Civil Society Strategy, as well as Sport England’s announcement of a further £16m in funding across a number of governing bodies.
Attendees considered further issues around maximising the social impact of funding - including measuring returns, community engagement and challenges around cross-departmental working.
Further discussion took place on priorities for developing closer links between elite and grassroots sport, including the talent pipeline and issues around transitioning from a grassroots setting to elite programmes.
