SportsNation issue 4 2025

How London FA plans to cater for the growing numbers SPEED RUGBY Fast-paced Sevens format is introducing rugby to new audiences

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From the editor

The intention is there, but will there be action?

In recent years, the UK government has increasingly acknowledged the lifechanging benefits of physical activity – from its role in reducing the risk of chronic disease to easing pressure on the NHS through improved mental and physical health. A big contributor to this recognition – and a game-changer when it comes to the government’s messaging – was the COVID-19 pandemic. In lockdown Britain, going out for exercise was one of the few things you could leave the house for, while there was no ambiguity in the government’s communication about the importance of being “fighting fit” to battle the disease.

boost sport in the UK, including £400m for community facilities. On its own, that’s a hugely positive step. But where is the joined-up thinking?

Why wasn’t this investment integrated into the NHS plan as a strategic tool for prevention?

Yet, despite the recognition and the regular talk about how exercise is good for us, the actions of successive governments continue to fall short of the rhetoric.

Take July’s Fit for the Future 10-year NHS plan. Launched with a bold promise to “put prevention at the heart of the NHS,” it makes barely a passing reference to physical activity –apart from a light-in-detail pledge to somehow get “millions of people” running with the help of Brendan Foster’s The Great Run Company.

It’s a baffling omission – especially when, just weeks earlier, the government pledged £800m to

This disconnect highlights a deeper issue: the government’s fragmented approach to physical activity policy. Sport, health and prevention are still treated as separate silos rather than interconnected parts of a healthier society. This is not helped by there being 24 separate government departments, many of which – including the DCMS, Department of Health and Social Care, Department of Transport (for active travel) – being responsible for different elements of a truly cohesive, preventative approach to public health.

If the government truly wants the physical activity sector to play a role in a future-fit NHS focused on prevention, as it should, it needs to follow its warm words with tangible action. We need consistent, cross-departmental action, recognising physical activity as an essential part of the infrastructure needed for a well and healthy nation. It’s time for policymakers to walk the walk – and put movement at the heart of the nation’s health strategy.

Tom Walker, Editor

The o cial magazine of

Tom Walker Editor

T: +44 (0)7796 512769

E: tom@nationmedia.uk

John Challinor Publisher

T: +44 (0)7971 043396

E: john@nationmedia.uk

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4 / 25

05 From the editor Where is the action?

09 News

The latest industry news from around the sports and physical activity sector

22 Column: Richard Shaw (SAPCA) Prevention? There’s a pill for that

24 Column: Lisa Wainwright (SRA) Why we need to protect where we play

26 Column: Huw Edwards (ukactive) Making the NHS plan work with physical activity

28 Growing audiences

How rugby 7s is helping to grow rugby globally

32 Going for glory

England will host the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup – the 10th edition of the tournament

38 Step by step

Walking is being utilised as a low-impact, accessible and social form of sport and exercise

42 Old dogs, new tricks

A project to get men over the age of 50s to return to team sports has plans to grow across the UK

44 Event review: SAPCA Golf Day

Each year, the SAPCA Golf Day brings together sports and play construction professionals

48 Sport in focus: swimming

A deep-dive into plans to grow swimming

SportsNation is the single, authoritative voice for the provision, delivery, maintenance and management of sports and physical activity facilities. Published bi-monthly, the magazine focuses on the people, places, policies and products that help to build active communities throughout the UK. Subscribe now and we will email you a complimentary copy of the magazine every two months. As the official magazine of SAPCA (the Sports and Play Construction Association), every issue of the magazine will also include information about technical guidance, funding, standards and product innovations.

SportsNation is published by SportsNation Ltd in association with the Sports And Play Construction Association (SAPCA). www.sapca.org.uk

This publication is protected by copyright and no part may be reproduced, transmitted or stored in any print or electronic format without the written permission of the publisher. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this publication and SportsNation accepts no responsibility for any error or misrepresentation. Opinions expressed by the contributors and advertisers are not necessarily those of the publisher and we do not accept responsibility of losses or damages arising from them.

“Game-changing” £400m investment in grassroots sport

Grassroots sport across the UK is set to benefit from more than £400m in funding, as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

Designed to deliver facilities that will “inspire people of all ages to get active”, the £400m will be invested in new and upgraded facilities in communities across the country.

The funding commitment, which was outlined in the Spending Review last week, has now been set out by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy.

It is part of a larger, £900m investment in sport, which will also 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.

These will include Tour de France Grand Départs in 2027, the men’s UEFA EURO 2028 tournament and the European Athletics Championships 2026 in Birmingham.

These events are expected to deliver significant economic benefits, with EURO 2028 alone projected to generate up to £2.4 billion in socioeconomic value across the UK.

According to Nandy, the strategic investment in facilities and major events has been designed to “reduce barriers to

opportunity, bring communities together through shared national moments and showcase the best of the UK to the world”.

“Sport tells our national story in a way few other things can – uniting communities, inspiring millions, and showcasing our nation on the global stage,” Nandy said.

SRA campaign highlights urgent risks to playing fields

The Sport and Recreation Alliance has launched a campaign to highlight the “urgent risks” to playing fields, pitches and community facilities from the government’s proposals to reform the planning system.

The Protect Where We Play campaign is a response to the Labour government’s plans

to remove Sport England’s statutory consultee role in planning applications which involve playing fields.

SRA says that if the move is approved, it will remove vital safeguards which protect playing fields from development and ensure continued community use.

The £400m will be invested in new and upgraded facilities across England

The campaign is a response to plans to remove Sport England’s statutory role

Number of padel courts in the UK hits 1,000 landmark

The UK’s padel boom shows no sign of slowing down, as the number of courts has hit 1,000 for the first time.

According to the LTA, the sport’s governing body, the 1,000 figure was reached earlier this month. The publicly available courts are available across a total of 325 venues nationwide. Figures released by the LTA highlight the rapid growth of the game in the UK – there were just 68 courts in 2019. The growth has gathered pace since, with impressive annual increases in courts from: 87 in 2020, 150 in 2021, 220 in 2022, 350 in 2023 and to 763 at the end of 2024. As of February 2025, the LTA and LTA Tennis Foundation has invested more than £6 million in the growth of padel across Britain, including £4.5 million towards the development of 80 courts at 42 venues.

As part of making padel accessible to a broader and more

The 1,000 courts are available across a total of 325 venues nationwide

diverse audience, the LTA is in discussions with DCMS about plans for a network of 40 Community covered tennis, padel and multisport hubs that would provide year-round opportunities for people to play in publicly owned facilities, transforming provision.

Tom Murray, LTA Head of Padel said: “It’s great news that we’ve reached the milestone of 1,000 padel courts in Great Britain and shows how rapidly the sport is growing across the whole country.

“We now want to focus on the sustained development of the sport.”

UK’s “first 4G playing surface” piloted

Work will soon commence on one of the UK’s first 4G playing surfaces at Bangor City Stadium in North Wales.

The non-infill design – which means there is no need for rubber crumb or other materials to be used on the surface – has been designed to provide a higher level of environmental sustainability and to reduce maintenance requirements. The innovative approach provides an alternative to the current 3G surface which includes rubber-crumb infill seen widely across artificial pitches across the UK.

The pitch is being funded through the Cymru Football Foundation’s Fit-For-Future Facilities Programme and in collaboration with the Grassroots Facility Programme , the Premier League, CPD Dinas Bangor 1876 and Nantporth C.I.C.

The pitch is being funded in partnership by Cymru Football Foundation

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Future-Proofing Fitness

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PEOPLE NEWS

Simon Hayes appointed Sport England CEO

Simon Hayes, the current CEO of HM Land Registry and chief land registrar, has been appointed Sport England’s new chief executive.

Hayes will join the grassroots sports body in September and replaces the outgoing Tim Hollingsworth, who announced in February that he would be leaving Sport England after seven years as CEO.

Hayes has no previous experience in sport, having carved out a career in various public sector and governmental organisations.

Chris Boardman reappointed as Sport England chair

Chris Boardman has been reappointed as Sport England chair for a second term of four years, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport has confirmed. The appointment will see Boardman stay in the post until 21 July 2029.

The Olympic gold medallist and active travel advocate was first appointed chair in July 2021.

During his first term, Boardman was credited with guiding the funding organisations through the challenges of the pandemic.

In recent years he has also become a leading voice for the UK sports sector in response to the impact of climate change through initiatives like Every Move – Sport England’s first ever environmental sustainability strategy.

“I’m delighted to have the opportunity to continue to serve as Chair of Sport England,” Boardman said. “Sport and physical activity have the power to transform lives

and communities and, through our Uniting the Movement strategy, we’ll continue to work with the sector to ensure everyone –regardless of their background or personal circumstances –has the chance to enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle.

“A healthy, active population has never been more important: whether it’s reducing the burden on the NHS or contributing to economic growth.”

He joined the Home Office in 1997 and held several positions across police, criminal justice and immigration policy, before becoming chief of staff for the UK Border Agency. In 2008, he was named UKBA’s first regional director for the Americas, based in Washington DC.

In a statement, Sport England said: “Simon brings a wealth of experience in organisational leadership to Sport England, having a strong track record in delivering impact and public sector modernisation.”

The Football Foundation has appointed Clare Sumner CBE to its Board, representing the Premier League as one of its funding partners. In her role, Sumner will help oversee governance, taking over from the Premier League’s Peter McCormick, who stepped down this spring after 17 years at the foundation. Sumner is currently the Premier League’s Chief Policy and Social Impact Officer.

Chris Boardman CBE

Clare Sumner CBE joins FF board

Dumfries indoor tennis centre set for 2025 opening

The planned new indoor tennis centre at King George V sports complex in Dumfries remains on track to open by the end of the year (2025), as construction reaches the halfway stage.

Work on the three-court centre – which is part of the Transforming Scottish Indoor Tennis (TSIT) initiative – began in February 2025. Once open, it will provide yearround access to tennis for the many nearby rural communities.

Designed as an inclusive, accessible and affordable facility, the centre will support a strong tennis infrastructure in Dumfries and Galloway. There are 11 registered clubs and close to 1,000 playing members, but playing time is greatly reduced in the winter with play on outdoor courts weather dependent.

Preparations for the centre opening are progressing beyond the construction work. Local

coaches are going through coaching qualifications with Tennis Scotland, upskilling the tennis workforce in the area as well as providing coaches to deliver a range of sessions every week at the centre.

It will be the third indoor tennis centre built in Scotland recently.

Centres in Edinburgh and Elgin have opened since the end of 2023, meaning the TSIT fund will have helped build 13 indoor courts in that time when the Dumfries centre opens its doors. The project has received nearly £1.7million of funding from the TSIT fund.

500 swimming pools lost since 2010

76% of the publicly accessible water space lost in the past 15 years has disappeared since 2020

The increasing pace of swimming pool closures across the UK shows that the government needs to act swiftly to ensure even more communities aren’t left without vital spaces for physical activity and social connection.

Two industry bodies, Swim England and ukactive, have raised concerns after research revealed that more than 500 swimming pools have been forced to close permanently since 2010.

Even more worryingly, the rate of closures is increasing rapidly, with 76% of the publicly accessible water space lost in the past 15 years having disappeared since 2020.

ukactive and Swim England are now urging the Government to provide support for swimming pools and leisure centres.

Construction of the three-court indoor centre has reached the halfway stage

PHOTO:

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Girls ‘ready to play’ football, but still held back

Almost half of women and girls (46%) in the UK say they have felt judged or excluded for wanting to play football.

The figure comes from a survey of 2,000 females, conducted on behalf of small-sided football specialist, Powerleague.

It shows that, while 48% of those surveyed feel confident in their football skills, emotional hurdles like fear of judgement and practical issues such as lack of local spaces continue to limit access.

The research, which was conducted to coincide with the

UEFA Women’s Euros 2025, shows that football is now one of the most widely played sports among the 2,000 women and girls surveyed, yet 25% have experienced sexist comments, and only 15% believe football is equally welcoming to both genders. Despite barriers, confidence levels across football skills were high among those surveyed. Almost half said they were confident in passing, with other common responses including shooting (41%), dribbling (36%), tackling (30%) and goalkeeping (29%).

£5m scheme to “help leaders tackle inequalities”

Sport England is investing £5m in a new national programme that aims to tackle inequalities in sport and physical activity.

Called Leading the Movement, the scheme seeks to build a “diverse community of people who are empowered to drive the change needed”, so the benefits of being physically active are equally accessible to everyone.

The investment includes a new microsite, offering free guidance, articles, case studies, toolkits and other learning resources, available to all, alongside a newsletter that will share regular updates from across the sector.

There will also be dedicated coaching and mentoring sessions and bespoke placebased leadership courses aligned to Sport England’s Place Partnership investment.

Jeanette Bain-Burnett, Sport England’s executive director of policy and integrity, said: “We all have a role to play in tackling inequalities – this is truly challenging work.”

New 3G pitch opens at Risca School and Leisure Centre

A new full-size, dual use 3G allweather pitch has opened at Risca School and Leisure Centre in Wales.

Funded by the Welsh Government’s Community Focused Schools capital grant programme, the new facility follows extensive planning and collaboration between Caerphilly County Borough Council, local

schools and community sports groups. It will benefit pupils at Risca Community Comprehensive School during the day and serve the wider community during evenings and weekends.

The floodlit pitch has been delivered by SAPCA member, Blakedown Sport & Play.

The survey was published as Powerleague is launching a campaign fronted by freestyle footballer Shannon Ghee

The floodlit, dual-use 3G pitch

“New approach needed” to ensure safety in sport

A “bold new approach” is needed to ensure the safety of everyone involved in sport at all levels across the UK. That is the main finding from the first-ever Safe Sport report – a major project involving UK Sport, Sport England, sportscotland, Sport NI, Sport Wales and several national governing bodies of sport (NGBs) – which was published this week.

The report is part of the wider Safe Sport project, which stems from a UK Sport change programme focused on ensuring the long-term sustainability of British Olympic and Paralympic sports, addressing key challenges and areas for reform within the sporting system.

One of the areas identified was a consistent approach to safe sport in the UK, from elite and performance sport to community and grassroots settings.

In a join statement, the five CEOs of UK Sport (Sally Munday), Sport

England (Tim Hollingsworth), Sport Northern Ireland (Richard Archibald, interim), SportScotland (Forbes Dunlop) and Sport Wales (Brian Davies), said: ”Everyone taking part in sport should have a safe and positive experience that is free from harm of any kind. We

are grateful to all involved in the Safe Sport project for their work.

“We will continue our shared commitment to prioritising and shifting resources towards programmes that prevent harm, rather than react to harm, and will work with NGBs to do the same.”

Tarkett Sports acquires Allsports

Allsports has built a strong reputation for excellence in synthetic turf construction

SAPCA member, Tarkett Sports, has announced the acquisition of fellow SAPCA member, Allsports Construction and Maintenance Limited.

The move will see Tarkett, a European leader in sports surface solutions, acquire 100% of the shares in Allsports – a Scotland-based company specialising in the construction and maintenance of sports surfaces.

Allsports employs thirteen full time staff providing expertise and knowledge to the Scottish market.

Through Tarkett Sports’ acquisition, Allsports will continue to operate under its existing name with its current team remaining in place, ensuring continuity for customers and partners.

As a result, Tarkett will further strengthen its presence in Scotland and reinforce its commitment to serving the Scottish sports infrastructure market.

The report is part of the larger Safe Sport project

PHOTO: SPORT

Sustainable innovations

SAPCA member, EnviroStik, is leading the way in sustainable innovation with Eco-Fix launch and greener operations

EnviroStik, the UK’s market leader in adhesives for synthetic grass in both sports surfaces and landscaping applications, has announced significant strides in sustainability with the launch of its new Eco-Fix adhesive range, a transition to solar-powered energy at its Staffordshirebased facility and a sustainable update to its tape offering.

The new Eco-Fix adhesive range is a groundbreaking development in adhesive where innovation meets sustainability. Eco-Fix is manufactured using recycled synthetic grass, reducing impact on the planet while providing superior bond adhesion. Helping to close the loop on the sports and play construction industry for a circular economy, this is the first product of its type on the market, which is produced from endof-life synthetic grass carpets. As a result, Eco-Fix helps projects meet sustainability targets and reduce their environmental footprint. Its innovative recycled content formula meets or exceeds all governing body standards, such as FIFA.

Based on the average-sized football pitch, EcoFix eliminates a minimum of 5 million microplastic particles from inevitably polluting ecosystems.

EnviroStik now generates over 60% of its electricity through solar power –paving the way for a carbon conscious future

This groundbreaking innovation redefines environmental sustainability for sports and leisure surfaces, with a unique blended formulation designed to be an essential industry resource.

Leading the way

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Complementing the Eco-Fix launch, EnviroStik has taken a major step toward operational sustainability by installing a solar PV and battery storage system at its manufacturing facility in Stone, Staffordshire. The new system enables the company to generate over 60% of its electricity through solar power, paving the way for an increasingly carbon-conscious future in which renewable energy is the norm. Finally, EnviroStik has updated its SP and LMP Extra Tapes, which offer durable solutions for sports surface construction. The revisions mean both tapes are now made using up to 70% recycled plastic, meeting both the Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) and the Global Recycled Standard (GRS), while still meeting and exceeding FIFA standards. EnviroStik is now the UK’s first and only supplier of synthetic grass tape with such a high recycled content. Rob Edge, Sales and Technical Development at EnviroStik, says: “We’re proud to lead the way in sustainable innovation. Eco-Fix is a gamechanger, turning old synthetic grass into a highperformance adhesive that helps reduce waste and meets green targets. Our move to solar power and updated recycled-content tapes show our full commitment to sustainability across the board. We’re setting new standards for the industry – proving that performance and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.” ● For more information, vist: www.envirostik.com

Prevention? There’s a pill for that

Richard Shaw CEO SAPCA

This month saw the launch of ‘Fit for the Future: 10-year Health Plan for England’, the government’s keenly awaited health mission to build a health service fit for the future. Sadly, physical activity barely gets a mention.

The plan aims to reimagine the NHS with prevention at its heart and sets the challenge for the health service to ‘reform or die’.

Lofty ambitions indeed! There is a whole section called ‘From Sickness to Prevention’ which, you would hope, would have physical activity as a key component in reducing the workload on an overstretched NHS.

I searched, hopefully, for detailed plans to utilise our sector among wider vaccination programmes, expanded free school meals, the restricting of foodstuffs and banning of tobacco. I was given hope by the images chosen for the plan, which showed Nordic Walking and people stretching. Surely there would be a grand plan to harness the power of activity?

Eventually, I found references to Parkrun and general mentions of public interest in health, as well as the place-based spending by Sport England. There was also an announcement of a partnership with The Great Run Company – which, apparently, will get “millions more people” moving and exercising regularly, without offering any details how.

As I read on, it became very apparent that a lot of time, space and thinking – and I’ve no doubt funding too – will be spent on weight loss medication over the next 10 years. I couldn’t help thinking that the plan, which I thought was all about easing the pressures on the NHS, seems to further medicalise an issue that, let’s face it,

What happened to the plan for people not needing the NHS?

needs to be tackled by societal change? What happened to the plan for people not needing the NHS? Aren’t we simply storing up problems for future generations? Where’s the prevention?

The week before the plan was published, a study by Frontier Economics for the Nesta thinktank estimated the UK’s epidemic of overweight and obesity to cost £126bn a year. It highlighted how the solution was a combination of food, medicine and physical activity. Sadly one of those is barely seen in this report. Upset? Just a little. I may have to go and see a doctor. Apparently it’s the answer to everything these days.

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Why we need to protect where we play

Lisa Wainwright MBE CEO Sport and Recreation Alliance

Earlier this year, the government set out plans to consult on the impacts of removing Sport England as a statutory consultee for planning applications involving playing fields. At Sport and Recreation Alliance If these changes are taken forward, vital safeguards which protect playing fields from development and ensure continued community use will be removed.

That’s why, we at the Sport and Recreation Alliance have launched a new Protect Where We Play campaign to highlight the urgent risks to playing fields, pitches and community facilities from Government proposals to reform the planning system. With the government committed to building 1.5 million homes in this parliament, there is a real risk that our playing fields will be lost to development. And once they’re gone, they’re gone forever.

We recently undertook research that highlights just how vital our playing fields and pitches are: delivering at least £2bn annually in improved wellbeing and helping almost 4 million people to be active, including 1 million children. Removing Sport England as a statutory consultee and reducing the weight given to sport in the planning system will also have detrimental impacts on the provision of wider community sports facilities including courts, sports halls and leisure centres which are essential to improving health and wellbeing.

We urge the Government to think carefully about the implications of removing existing protections. The strength of feeling across the sector demonstrates this is an issue that really matters to our members and, crucially, the local communities they serve.

Once they’re gone, they’re gone forever — we can’t a ord to lose our playing fields to development

“We acknowledge the Government’s ambitions to increase economic growth and deliver increased housing but we firmly believe this must not come at the cost of playing fields, pitches and sports facilities which are vital community assets. Indeed, building more homes means we need even more places and spaces for local communities to be active.

“We will engage constructively with the Government through the forthcoming consultation but are steadfast in our belief that our playing fields deserve strong protections that will safeguard them for future generations to come.”

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Making the NHS plan work with physical activity

For far too long, when Westminster engages in sport or physical activity announcements, all too often they feel like photo opportunities in desperate need of a strategy. Much of the work our sector and representative organisations undertake in Westminster, is trying to link up policy discussions, initiatives and projects that are scattered across various Whitehall departments which, while driven by good merit and intention, are developed in isolation.

The sector, of course, deserves much better and it is clear to see how the impressive Creative Industries Industrial Plan could be replicated for sport and physical activity, with such a strong emphasis on investment streams, workforce and skills development, planning and regulatory reform, and crucially, sector and Government governance and engagement.

That said, notable announcements in recent weeks could provide the platform for the Government to begin to articulate a compelling case for the growth and development of our sector across the rest of this parliament. Some details on investment priorities have been communicated following the Spending Review. Furthermore, the recently published NHS 10-Year Plan, alludes to the role of physical activity, without the detail or implementation plans that will no doubt need to follow. This is especially the case with the proposed Neighbourhood Health Centres, which seem to be an obvious partnership with our sector.

However, that’s no substitute for a clear plan and let’s be clear that our Government – indeed, any Government – will not be able to address the major problems caused by the twin forces of an ageing society and an eversicker nation, without a significantly stronger

No government will solve the challenges of an ageing, eversicker nation without a credible plan to work with our sector

relationship and credible plan for working with the sport and physical activity sector.

The recent welfare reforms debate directly talked to this. As The Times analysed, “We have promised people a level of support our worsening national health has now rendered unaffordable. Britain is becoming sicker. This is partly simply because we are getting older as a population and partly also because we eat badly and do not exercise enough. A quarter of us now report having a life-limiting disability and far more are suffering from multiple illnesses at the same time; almost a million people now have five or more health conditions, up 40 per cent since COVID-19.”

In this context, the sector can, and should, play a much greater role in both maintaining good health and helping address poor health, and the Government must recognise and acknowledge its role in unlocking that greater role.

In particular, it is vital that, with its commitment to a new physical activity strategy in the 10-Year Plan, that the government breaks away from the policy orthodoxy of that past that has not delivered a happier, healthier nation, and invests in plans that match the moment and are fit for the future. There remains sufficient time in this parliament for the Government to deploy the sector to have a positive impact on our collective economic and health goals. The new NHS 10-Year Plan could be a catalyst for this. However, the sector needs to see some clear indications that the ambition is there to do this – and soon.

Huw Edwards CEO ukactive

Spaces GROWING AUDIENCES WITH SPEED RUGBY

Rugby landed in the Polish city of Krakow for a weekend in April, with the arrival of World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series. Richard W. Orange reports how the quick-paced, no-nonsense Sevens format is being used to introduce the sport to new audiences

Organisers of major international sporting events are not averse to the notion of running tournaments in countries with low levels of public and media focus on events that draw the crowds elsewhere. The FIFA World Cup is due to be staged in the USA in 2026 – four years after it was held in Qatar – while cricket test matches have been held in the Persian Gulf in recent times. Fixtures bringing together teams from around the globe present venues with enormous sponsorship and visitor opportunities, so it makes financial sense to select stadiums and cities that can attract the public, advertisers and the mainstream media. With some innovative derivatives of well-known sports, there is more of an opportunity to experiment and to introduce hitherto unfamiliar games to wider audiences.

Alongside cricket’s T20 format, another great example of these variations is Rugby Sevens - a 7-a-side, 7-minute per half version of the union format launched in 1999. It became an Olympic discipline at Rio 2016 and is dominated by nations with a strong rugby following. But if it is to remain a fixture on the world’s biggest sporting stage, it needs to gain ground further afield - to rugby-lite locations including continental Europe.

The popular tourist destination of Krakow, in southern Poland, is one such venue for the HSBC Rugby Sevens Challenger competitions, securing pride of place alongside purpose-built facilities in Cape Town and London’s Twickenham.

Heading to Krakow

Can the outermost of rugby outposts deliver on their promises to boost interest in sevens rugby?

Hosts believe their formula for breathing life into an unfamiliar, new version of an old game has a fighting chance - but it will take time. In the case of Krakow, the game plan was to encourage children from local schools to treat the tournament as an opportunity to learn about cultures of participating nations, with free tickets for thousands of pupils who had ‘adopted’ a team to cheer on in the stadium. Shortly before Easter 2025, the Polish Rugby Union rolled out the red carpet to 16 men’s and

women’s teams in the second-tier level of the world Rugby Sevens Challenger series, at the city’s Henryk Reyman stadium. It was the fourth time that the home of Wisła Kraków of the Polish Ekstraklasa had played host to an international rugby competition; a continental championship in 2022, Sevens as part of the European Games in 2023 and HSBC world challengers in 2024 and then this April. These are not inconsequential encounters for teams. Contests are taken seriously, with automatic Olympic qualification slots on offer for tournament winners.

Keeping it close

Organisers told SportsNation why the Henryk Reyman stadium has distinct advantages as a venue. Much of it has to do with new training infrastructure and investment in hospitality. There are four grass-covered training pitches alongside the stadium where teams can warm up between

matches and a recently opened The Hyatt Place Hotel with a fitness centre next to the sports complex, where teams were accommodated. Referees and match officials were put up in an adjacent hotel. Rugby stadiums are uncommon in central and eastern Europe, although Germany, Czechia and Poland do field international teams, so soccer stadiums with pitches large enough to transition to rugby are the obvious venues. Polish Rugby Union, which opted for Krakow in preference to a dedicated rugby 15s pitch in Gdynia on the Baltic coast, has a positive business relationship with Wisła Kraków. It was able to negotiate a favourable (but undisclosed) fee and secure changes to the club’s league fixtures for the Krakow even – which was the

The Rugby Sevens format has the potential to attract wider interest in new markets

Player welfare is the top priority – it starts with world class facilities and ends with a great fan experience

third and final Challenger 2025 event, following two earlier second tier fixtures in Cape Town.

Communications officer for the event, Kajetan Cyganik, told SportsNation: “This is a good location in terms of the facilities, hotels and the training areas. The teams have access to a gym and a pool.

“I understand in Cape Town the training area was a 10-minute walk away. Here it is 50 metres. I don’t think it is a normal thing elsewhere. It should be like this, because teams come to a stadium and they want a place to warm up which is near the ground.

“If we get the tournament next year, we will look to get another training pitch close to the stadium. To be honest, I don’t know what more we can do. This is the second year for the Challengers. They like us, and we like them.”

Education and sport

Jaroslaw Prasal, president of Polish Rugby Union, told SportsNation about the rationale for running the event on a Friday and Saturday, as opposed to a weekend, in order to involve school children.

“This was a key performance indicator for us this year,” Prasal said. “They were finding out about which teams were taking part and we are building a link between the players and the schools. It is important for the kids to learn, for example, about the teams from Kenya or Japan. They have special lessons about the cultures of the countries, and they come to support them.”

Kajetan Cyganik

earlier than the pre-planned 3pm exit. The children were able to enjoy half a dozen group games, including hosts Poland taking on visitors South Africa, Argentina and neighbouring Czechia.

The schools legacy programme excepted, it has proved somewhat difficult for organisers to attract local spectators to the stadium. Polish state broadcaster TVP carried many of the games live on its main sports channel. Yet, international fans accompanying teams mixed together amid a celebratory atmosphere across the two-day tournament. It was a relaxed, family-friendly affair.

Spreading the word

At least 2,000 tickets were handed out to Krakow schools to enable children to attend games on the first day of the competition on the Friday, although unseasonably wintry weather close to Easter prompted staff to take them back to classes

So what did the organisers consider to be the biggest challenge for any cities looking to host future Challenger competitions? There are three key issues: access to facilities, player welfare and engaging fans.

Douglas Langley, head of Sevens World Rugby, told SportsNation: “The highest priority we have

is player welfare and that’s very much linked to the expected standards for the teams as they arrive, the preparation and throughout the competition. We tell the hosts that they must provide the very best facilities for the players and referees, for the type of accommodation, the training facilities, and the actual rugby surface deliverables on the day. There’s a lot of box ticking, to make sure we have a very safe and entertaining venue - not just for the players but for all the fans.

“We are working very hard on the future of the game and having innovative competition structures. We are working with broadcasters and the cities, looking at how we can increase the experiential side of things for fan engagement. There is the schools legacy programme, where schools engage with the teams and we’re looking at how we get local intelligence and resources to enhance that.”

Infrastructure-wise, Rugby Sevens’ prospects of expanding into central and eastern Europe

are reliant on stadiums offering the kind of training and accommodation facilities available in Krakow. Engaging schools is a long-term, localised strategy. The real test is whether organisers can find a way of attracting spectators in the shorter term.

In Langley’s view, organisers must utilise new technology to promote sevens, alongside traditional publicity outlets. It is about “tapping into future technology; be that social media, be that broadcast media, and artificial intelligence”.

On paper, the Rugby Sevens format of the traditional game has the potential to attract wider interest. All day tickets are reasonably priced, and the average 20-25 minutes of play for each game means that spectators are treated to more than a dozen fast-paced, eventful matches to the continental, international and Olympic standard. With an innovative and effective social media campaign, Sevens’ prospects could be magnificent.

Douglas Langley

GOING GLORY for Event

England will host the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup – the 10th edition of the quadrennial competition

This year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup (WRWC) will be the largest in history. Sixteen nations, up from the 12 seen at the previous tournament in 2021, will compete for the title across eight venues between 22 August and 27 September 2025.

Transformative impact

This year’s tournament is the second women’s Rugby Union World Cup to be hosted by England, after the 2010 edition. World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin has predicted Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 will be a “breakthrough moment” for the game as the countdown to the showpiece tournament continues apace.

Gilpin believes that, with a bigger platform than ever before, the event could have a transformative impact.

“It’s an event that we’re incredibly excited about for the sport of rugby,” Gilpin said. “It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity for us to really inspire a new set of fans.

“It’s not just a breakthrough moment for the women’s game. It’s definitely a breakthrough moment for rugby, an opportunity to present a different face of rugby next year.

“A younger, more inclusive, more vibrant and definitely more family-oriented audience for our sport. An event that will move the dial probably in many ways that the men’s editions of Rugby World Cup either can’t or doesn’t currently do for us.”

Inspiring the next generation

While the excitement continues to build ahead of the tournament, the legacy programmes are already in full swing. World Rugby hopes to use the tournament as a platform for both creating new audiences, as well as fresh leaders.

As part of the former. World Rugby launched the WRWC 2025 Content Creators Programme, offering an opportunity for content creators from around the world to contribute to a record breaking and unmissable tournament. Building on the successful content creator programme from Women’s Rugby World Cup 2021 in New Zealand, the initiative focuses on developing the next generation of talent within social and content, offering practical experience while creating a

World Rugby is using the tournament to inspire the next generation of players

network for creators to share ideas and experiences.

The programme also aims to elevate the global profile of women’s rugby by embedding content creators throughout the tournament. These creators will document the players’ and teams’ journeys, from training sessions to match days, while also gaining access to exclusive behind-the-scenes content off the field.

Meanwhile, as part of inspiring new leaders for the women’s game, ChildFund Rugby staged a UK ‘Grassroots to Global’ forum bringing together female leaders from the local rugby community. Held in more than 25 countries, each Forum supports the women’s game at local, national and international levels, with a view to driving change and increasing the number of women involved in the sport - both on and off the field.

The UK Forum took place at Novocastrians RFC, near Newcastle upon Tyne, and was attended by 50 young, inspirational female leaders from the local rugby community. Players, coaches, match officials, first aiders, team managers, event organisers, and club administrators all came together to share experiences, strengthen networks and inspire change.

As part of the two-day Forum, participants exchanged ideas and created action plans for enhancing gender inclusion within their rugby communities. This included

The Content Creators Programme forms part of the event’s legacy plans

Driving change on and off the field starts with building strong networks

identifying the key drivers and barriers facing women in rugby leadership.

A highlight of the event was the attendance and support of England’s most capped rugby player of all time, Sarah Hunter CBE. She shared the wealth of knowledge gained during her transition from Rugby World Cup winning player and captain, to Assistant Coach for the Red Roses.

World Rugby’s Chief of Women’s Rugby, Sally Horrox, said: “With Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 fast approaching, it’s inspiring to see the impact that Childfund Rugby’s Grassroots to Global Forums are already having, by bringing together such passionate female leaders from the rugby community.

“Driving change on and off the field starts with building strong networks and creating clear pathways for women in coaching and leadership roles.”

2025 WOMEN’S RUGBY WORLD CUP VENUES

BRIGHTON

Brighton and Hove Stadium

Capacity: 31,800

Home to Premier League football team Brighton and Hove Albion, the stadium was the venue for one of the most famous upsets in international rugby history, when Japan beat South Africa at Rugby World Cup 2015.

EXETER

Ashton Gate Stadium

Capacity: 26,387

The stadium is the home to Premiership rugby club Bristol Bears and second-tier Bristol City Football Club. It will act as the venue for both WRWC semi-finals in 2025, as well as two quarter finals.

Sandy Park

Capacity: 15,000

The home of Exeter Chiefs will be one of the busiest venues during the WRWC, hosting five pool games and two quarter finals.

LONDON

Twickenham Stadium

Capacity: 82,000

The home of rugby union will be the venue for the conclusion of this year’s World Cup, with both the bronze medal game and final taking place on 27 September 2025.

BRISTOL

MANCHESTER

Salford Community Stadium

Capacity: 11,404

The smallest venue of the tournament has been the home of Sale Sharks since 2012. It will host four games during WRWC, including the Scotland - Wales game on 23 August 2025.

NORTHAMPTON

Franklin’s Gardens

Capacity: 15,148

SUNDERLAND

Stadium of Light

Capacity: 48,707

The second-largest venue used in this year’s competition, Stadium of Light will only host one game – but it is an important one as it will see England play USA in the competition’s first game.

Franklin’s Gardens has hosted rugby games for nearly 150 years, making it one of the most iconic venues in the sport. The home of Northampton Saints will host six games during WRWC, including’s England’s pool game against Samoa on 30 August.

YORK

York Community Stadium

Capacity: 8,510

York’s Community Stadium opened in 2020 and has already played host to matches at the 2021 Women’s Rugby League World Cup. During WRWC, it will host six games.

STEP BY STEP

Walking is more than just a way to get from A to B, it’s a low-impact, accessible and social form of exercise that continues to grow in popularity. By embracing walking as both a fitness activity and a sustainable transport option, operators can attract a broader audience and make a positive impact

Recent research highlights walking’s widespread appeal. A November 2024 study from Vitality Insurance found that 64% of women prefer walking as their main form of exercise. Meanwhile, the Health Foundation reports that 76.5% of adults walk at least once a month, with 43.4% walking three times a week and 31.8% walking five times or more. With such widespread participation, walking can serve as a gateway to broader fitness habits, and for leisure centres and gyms presents a unique opportunity

to engage with communities that may never have stepped inside a facility. It offers the potential to boost memberships and align with both private and public-led sustainability goals. Even though walking activities often take place out of the leisure facility, this doesn’t mean customers are walking away from the leisure centre. In fact, walking opens doors.

SportsNation explored the way operators are integrating walking to their programming and activities across the UK, asking leisure operators to showcase some of their best practices.

Walking football is becoming increasingly popular

Mike Lyons, CEO, Horizon Leisure:

Walking programmes can help operators tap into new audiences, including older people, those with injuries or in rehab and those who are looking for friendship. They can do this through offering guided group walks, walking sports – such as football or netball – or confident walking sessions for people aged 60+.

We work in collaboration with our local Vine Medical group to run monthly walking sessions, signposted by the GPs, for people who are struggling with loneliness, social isolation and anxiety. The sessions give their patients the opportunity to get out of their homes and get moving, while meeting other local people.

We also work with ‘Get Up and Go’, a Havant Council project funded by Hampshire County Council, to organise walking netball, walking cricket (dementia friendly) and walking football at our leisure centres. Interest in all of these has really expanded, with our walking netball regularly attracting 70 plus players a month. Our walking sport sessions happen at nonpeak times during the day to target those that may have retired, meaning the activities don’t clog up our sports halls at peak times, which are often dedicated to after school activities.

The sessions give their patients the opportunity to get out of their homes and get moving, while meeting other local people

Inclusive walking programmes can help operators tap into new audiences

Julie Meakin, Practice Manager, Vine Medical Group:

Working in partnership with Horizon Leisure has been a positive collaborative approach, helping patients that might need social direction and the ‘worried well’ to take a more proactive approach to their health. The monthly health walks start from one of our surgeries in Waterlooville, Hampshire and are led by an expert from Horizon Leisure. It’s been incredibly powerful to see friendships blossom, as well as watching people learn to manage their health or emotional wellbeing better. The walks also shift perceptions of what a GP practice offers. Patients begin to see us as more than just a place for medical treatments and prescriptions. Having both a fitness expert from Horizon and a healthcare professional from the surgery on the walks provides an added level of reassurance and encouragement, making a real difference in people’s lives. The partnership also helps patients see how health and fitness connect, making them more comfortable to engage in programmes and activities that Horizon Leisure offers.

Amy Brittain, Healthy Lifestyles

Programme Manager,

Mytime Active:

We organise four wellbeing walks a week in the Midlands. Participants start to feel a sense of belonging in a harmonious group during the warmer months and so are more likely to transition to our leisure centres and wellbeing hubs in the winter when the weather turns.

Linda (77) and Norman (73) started taking part in the wellbeing walks as part of a six-week Fresh Start Friendly programme at Mytime Active’s Hatchford Brook Golf Centre and Gym.

Linda explains: “From the very first session we met lovely, like-minded people and quickly hit it off. The personalised approach was especially helpful for my husband who is registered blind. We liked the guided walks around the park and workouts tailored to our individual abilities. But what we loved most was the social side. After a walk or workout, we’d gather in the café for coffee and conversation. Walking and talking, what’s not to love!

“We continued our membership after the six-week programme and now visit twice a week to meet our new friends. We paused our walks for the winter, but with the sun starting to shine again we’re looking forward to resuming. We both feel more agile, fitter, healthier and happier.”

Lisa Arrandale, Active Communities Officer, Life Leisure: At Life Leisure in Stockport, walking is extremely important to our community programme and we have created a pathway that includes walks for all ages and abilities, with a clear progression route.

The walking programme is funded through external investments like grant funding and partnerships with other organisations, allowing us to share resources and staff. Over the past two years, we’ve developed a strong walking network locally with other charities, including Age UK, to create the Stockport Walking Network Forum, which helps with funding opportunities, walk leader training, setting up new walks, and promoting existing ones.

The programme, which coexists alongside our leisure offer, includes 150 hours of indoor/outdoor walking opportunities for the community, from gentle indoor ‘Confidence Walks’ and Nordic walking, all the way through to four-hour plus walking challenges. Over the last 12 months we’ve experienced approximately 1,500 visits.

We also support events and led our first inclusive ‘move to a mile’ programme as part of the annual ‘Stockport Moves’, which was a fantastic opportunity to support a large cohort of people to walk in a guided event. We also participate in the GM Active Walking festival.

Recently we have worked with primary schools to create local walks and make them more interesting to encourage children to walk more locally and hopefully spur other members of their family to do the same.

Walking is extremely important to our community programme and we have created a pathway that includes walks for all ages and abilities

Jo Cherrett, CEO, Trafford Leisure:

At Trafford Leisure, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to making our facilities as eco-friendly as possible, with a clear pledge to cut carbon emissions by 5% year on year, working towards net zero by 2030.

Walking directly aligns with our sustainability goals, not just for the environment but for our communities across Trafford’s’ health too. Not only do we want more people walking to our centres, but we are actively encouraging participation in activities such as Walking Football.

We have already introduced schemes to support our staff in walking and cycling to work, reducing their

reliance on cars and lowering our environmental impact. The next step? Encouraging more of our customers to walk to our centres, helping to reduce pollution, ease local traffic congestion, and incorporate walking as part of their wellbeing.

On National Fitness Day, our staff and key stakeholders took this commitment further, walking between all our sites across the borough, engaging with the local community at schools, medical practices and community centres to promote active, sustainable lifestyles. We are also working with local schools to encourage walking to Swim School lessons instead of relying on costly, polluting coach travel. Looking ahead, we’re exploring step-tracking rewards, walking challenges and partnerships with local businesses to further incentivise members to swap car journeys for walking.

OLD DOGS, NEW TRICKS

An initiative looks to get men over the age of 50s to return to team sports. SportsNation spoke to David James, the founder of the Life in the Old Dogs scheme

Life in The Old Dogs is about getting the over 50s to participate in team sports by creating a safe environment where they play with people of a similar age creating great times, increased fitness levels and improving social engagement by meeting new friends in a team spirit,” says David James, the founder of the programme. He adds that the idea came after he realised that the most traditional activities for the over 50s had become badminton, tennis, golf, swimming, cycling, walking and going to the gym.

“These are all very good, but essentially, they are sports and activities that you take part in either one your own or with one or two other people,” James says. “So what makes the Old

Dogs games different are that they are team games. They are competitive but fun, played at a pace and a spirit that suits the over 50’s – and they have a social aspect to them too.”

Creating communities

The games have been running for over six years in Bath City and have resulted in not just new team games for the over 50’s but the development of a new community. Some of the games are mixed sex – such as Basketball and Tag Rugby. Some of the games have been dominated by one gender, but with anyone welcome. Football tends to be male-dominated, while netball is largely female dominated.

“The demand has been fantastic with most games drawing 7-a-side for weekly games,” James says. “The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. The over 50’s are loving the fact they can play team sports again and we now have at least 100 people playing weekly in Bath.”

In many cases, those taking part in “Old Dog games” had become physically inactive with no incentive to exercise. The prospect of team sports, however, has given them an incentive to give it a try. Another group of Old Dog attendees are players who have been taking part in the more competitive masters games, or in open leagues, who may want to switch to play in the far less competitive and much more friendlier Old Dogs games.

“Once players become part of an Old Dogs team it is rare to lose them – and often the players become the marketing arm for recruitment and expansion of new games,” James reveals. “People currently taking part in walking sports now have an alternative to ‘trade up’ to play Old Dogs games which will involve running.”

What makes the Old Dogs games different is that they are team games – competitive but fun, and played at a pace that suits the over 50s

A variety of sports

The programme’s most popular team sports are football, netball, touch rugby and basketball. Football games take part both indoors and outdoors and at a variety of formats – including 5v5, 6v6 and 7v7. Netball is available indoors and outdoors and, in addition to the traditional 7v7, is available through the highly popular Netball 5s format. Touch Rugby takes place outdoors at 7v7 or 8v8 formats, while a variety of basketball formats are played in sports halls – and outdoors in the summer.

The set up is simple. An Old Dogs sports leader greets players on arrival, does a gentle warm up and puts the group into two teams. Games are played in a fun friendly manner with a smile and bad language and unsportsmanlike activities are not tolerated. Anyone acting in such a manner is asked to leave and not invited to play in the future.

“To strengthen the social aspect and to build communities, we also encourage players to meet after the games for drinks and networking,” James says.

Participants register on the lifeintheolddogs.com website. They are then kept engaged by regular

correspondence, such as monthly newsletters. Social media channels including X, Facebook, TikTok and Instagram are also used to promote participation., while players are encouraged to post activities and set up local ‘Old Dog’ events/talks/lunches.

James adds that the future plans include expanding the initiative across the UK.

“We are just about to turn Life in The Old Dogs into a Community Interest Company (CIC), which will allow us to apply for grant funding to be able to bring the games to wider communities,” he says. “Our vision is to see Old Dogs games in every town and city in the UK.”

Life in the Old Dogs Mission

To promote healthy living and wellbeing to the over 50’s through increased physical participation in team sports and improve socialisation via providing a framework to meet a wider network of friends of a similar age.

Contact: help@lifeintheolddogs.com www.lifeintheolddogs.com

TMINGLING, MEDALS AND MULLIGANS

Each year, the SAPCA Golf Day brings together sports and play construction professionals for an informal get together. While the annual SAPCA Open is always hotly contested, the focus is always very much on networking and catching up with industry peers

his year’s SAPCA Golf Day took place on Wednesday 25 June at Whittlebury Park Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort in Northampton. The championship golf venue, built on the Whittlebury estate in 1905, offered players the opportunity to take on the resort’s Blue and Yellow courses, which are built around the remaining copses of the ancient Royal Whittlebury Forest.

LUNCH TIME CONVERSATIONS

The day featured the annual SAPCA Open, which was first held in 2001, as well as a Women in SAPCA Lunchtime Conversation with Olympic silver medalist Gail Emms MBE. During the motivational talk, Emms recalled the obstacles and challenges she experienced during her mixed doubles training with coaches who used language such as ‘man up’ when times were tough and emotions were high. She also recounted the inspirational story of her mother, Janice Emms, who played for the unofficial England women’s national football team – and which led her to write the book, The Lost Lionesses: The incredible story of England’s forgotten trailblazers.

The day’s centrepiece event, the 24th SAPCA Open, was won by Halliday Lighting pair Neil Fenwick and Jan Skrzypowski. Both scored an impressive 40, giving them a total of 80. The highest individual scores this year were registered by Phil Eastment from O’Brien Contractors (42) and Kevin Field from Mapei UK (41).

As always, networking formed a huge part of the day. Players took the opportunity to enjoy refreshments on the “19th hole”, which was followed by a golf and awards dinner in the evening.

“The Golf Day is a great opportunity for members to catch up with industry colleagues and peers, as well as invited guests, many of who work for national governing bodies of sport,” says SAPCA CEO, Richard Shaw. “It is one of the highlights of the year and we look to build on the success of this year’s Women in SAPCA networking lunch as we begin planning on the 2026 edition, when we will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of the SAPCA Golf Day.”

The venue for next year’s SAPCA Golf Day will be confirmed later this summer. For more information, visit: www.sapca.org.uk/events SAPCA Open 2025 FINAL LEADERBOARD

1 Neil Fenwick & Jan Skrzypowski (Halliday Lighting) 80

2 Mark Gamble & James Gamble (Charles Lawrence Tennis Courts) 75

3 David Bates (Total-Play) & Matt Young (TGMS) 73

4 Tim Richards (SAPCA) & Paul Fleming (Loughborough University) 72

5 Julian Westbrook & Mark Cullingford (Sport & Play) 68

INDIVIDUAL PRIZES

The Longest Drive, Men (sponsored by Fosse Contracts Ltd) - Jan Skrzypowski, Halliday Lighting Longest Drive, Ladies (sponsored by SAPCA)

- Charlotte Malyon, England Netball

The Ron Harrod Foundation trophy, Nearest The Pin - Neil Belsham, South Wales Sports Grounds Nearest The Pin in 2 (sponsored by Fosse Contracts Ltd) - Neil Fenwick, Halliday Lighting Nearest The Pin in 3 (sponsored by SAPCA) - Joe Shaw, SIS Pitches

The SAPCA Golf Day saw more than 100 people take part in the golf competition and two networking events

SPATEX 2026 THE BIG ONE

SPATEX, the UK’s leading water leisure exhibition, celebrates its 30th anniversary this year and will o er a fully immersive experience

When SPATEX 2026 opens at Coventry Building Society Arena on Tuesday 3 February 2026, the threeday event will hold all the promise of a show celebrating three decades of showcasing the very best of international water leisure.

Free to attend, SPATEX is also set to host one of its largest shows ever in 2026 – such is the demand for exhibition space that the organising team has gone back to the drawing board to expand the floorplan. “This will be a 360-degree vision of water leisure in 2026 and beyond,” says organiser Michele Bridle.

THE PLACE TO BE AND BE SEEN

It’s a show designed with the commercial sector in mind. Offering the latest and most authoritative guidance in the management and provision of swimming pools, wellness spas, hot tubs, play features, and hydrotherapy pools, special reference will be given to energy saving. View the latest innovations and trends and take advantage of the host of special show discounts and offers available exclusively to visitors.

KNOW LEDGE BANK

SPATEX provides the best source of free information in the industry with a double seminar programme on all three days, including CPD accredited workshops. It’s thanks to the support of a large number of esteemed associations – for example, Institute of Swimming Pool Engineers (ISPE), Swimming Teachers Association (STA), Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS), Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group (PWTAG), Water Management Society (WMSoc), Legionella Control Association (LCA), Institute of Swimming (IoS) and, of course, the British Swimming Pool Federation’s SPATA (Swimming Pool & Allied Trades Association) and BISHTA (British & Irish Spa & Hot Tub Association). Combined, they bring their individual insights and knowledge to add considerable gravitas.

IMPARTIAL ADVICE

Those working in aquatics or water leisure will be able to gain the most up-to-date information from over a thousand industry professionals. Some things can only be done in person - so bring your plans with you. Please visit the SPATEX Help Desk at the entrance to the hall if you need a starting point.

TRENDING

See the finest examples of design, construction, and installation - the British Swimming Pool Federation stand will showcase the award winners from the British Pool & Hot Tub Awards held during SPATEX.

NETWORK CENTRAL

SPATEX will host its traditional Networking Party in the Coventry Building Society Arena Clubhouse on the Wednesday. Visitors and exhibitors are warmly invited to attend at 5pm after the show closes, for industry chat, free canapés and drinks.

● Save the date for the big one! SPATEX 2026 - Tuesday 3rd to Thursday 5th February at the Coventry Building Society Arena.

All are welcome and attendance is FREE For more info: helen@spatex.co.uk Tel: +44 (0) 1264 358558

SPORT IN FOCUS SWIMMING

The aquatics sector faces a number of challenges –but also plenty of opportunities, as swimming remains among the most popular activities in the UK

In November 2024, Swim England published what it described as a “bold, unwavering commitment to change” with the launch of a new strategy. Called One Swim England, the strategy sets out the national governing body’s vision for swimming, which is for the sport to provide “Great experiences in water. For all. For life”.

At the heart of the plans are four values – “we include”, “we are ambitious”, “we collaborate” and “we do what’s right”. The values underpin a total of 18 goals, which set out the organisation’s roadmap for the future.

A collaborative effort

The strategy was created, in part, with the help of insight received from Vision and Values Roadshows – a nationwide tour of events, organised by Swim England and attended by hundreds of participants, volunteers, coaches, parents, event organisers, regional representatives and pool operators. According to Andy Salmon, Swim England CEO, the views from the roadshow mean that cultural change and collaboration “run through the strategy like a golden thread”.

“One Swim England represents a significant milestone, for us as an organisation and, I hope, the whole of the aquatics community,” Salmon said.

“It’s so important that we are a listening organisation and do things with, rather than ‘to’, the aquatics community. To that end, we undertook a huge listening

It’s so important that we are a listening organisation and do things with, rather than ‘to’, the aquatics community

exercise, running 26 ‘Vision and Values’ sessions around the country for any member of the aquatics community to come and tell us their views on the future of aquatics and what they wanted to see from Swim England and crucially the values that were important to them.

“Hundreds of people took part in those sessions and more than 1,000 gave their views online, helping to shape the strategy that has emerged as an output and strengthening it in the process through their involvement. I’m excited about the mandate this has given us to lead the sports combined with our commitment to serving a growing aquatics community.”

Salmon adds that the name of the strategy is intentional. “We named the strategy One Swim England as we wanted to articulate our ambition to improve collaboration, both internally and externally. To plagiarise the former US President Harry Truman, I believe that if we all worry less about who takes the credit, it will be amazing what can be accomplished.”

Setting targets

Of the strategy’s overall 18 goals, eight priorities have been identified for 2025. These are people; shifting the culture; building trust; creating stronger clubs; growing revenues; providing a connected digital ecosystem; having an effective Learn to Swim programme; and a focus on welfare and safeguarding. These have been selected to reflect what Swim England

ONE SWIM ENGLAND – THE 18 STRATEGY GOALS

Swim England’s strategy’s overall mission is to lead and serve an aquatics community to enable safe, enjoyable and successful experiences. The 18 goals have been divided into three categories.

FOUNDATIONS

● Shift the culture

● Trusted welfare & safeguarding

● Stronger clubs

● Effective Learn to Swim

● Access to water

● Outstanding events

● Success on the world stage

ENABLERS

● Build trust

● Connected digital ecosystem

● Outstanding people

● Grow revenues

● Operational excellence

● Environmental sustainability

COMMUNITY GROWTH

● Tackling inequalities

● Increasing engagement

● Grow open water

● Lifelong participation

● Aquatics for health

Ensuring access to water in the future will be a critically important challenge

sees as the immediate priorities to help the sport. Growing revenues, for example, has been included to counteract the huge economic pressures that many swimming pool operators find themselves in.

“It would simply not be possible, nor appropriate, to focus on all 18 goals in the next 12 months,” Salmon says. “We have prioritised the areas that we believe will lay the foundations for long term, sustainable success, right across the strategy.

“This strategy is our new roadmap for the future. Behind the strategy sit a number of very tangible KPIs that we, and the wider swimming community, will hold ourselves accountable to for the duration of the strategy.”

The success of the strategy will be measured through a number of metrics. These include, at the community level, regular updates on participation rates and demographics, customer satisfaction rates, membership data, diversity of membership data and revenue. In addition, the number of volunteers, teachers, coaches and officials will be monitored and reported.

Meanwhile, elite and competitive success will be measured in the number of medals and through rankings. There will also be metrics measuring carbon footprint, to assess swimming’s sustainability at all levels.

Challenging times

The strategy comes at a time when swimming operators and swimming pool facilities are facing increasing financial pressures, ageing facilities and rising operational costs. This has led to many more pools and leisure centres being at risk of closure, leaving communities without vital spaces for physical activity and social connection. Swim England analysis, published in June 2025, revealed that 76% of the publicly accessible water space lost in the past 15 years has disappeared since 2020, highlighting the escalating crisis facing the sector.

The data also showed that 500 swimming pools have been lost since 2010, totalling a massive 34,859 square metres of water space. Of all the pools lost in that time, almost half (42%) have been lost since 2020. The decrease in opportunities to swim is reflected

The analysis was used by Swim England and industry body, ukactive, in their efforts to get the Government to provide support for swimming pools and leisure centres in June’s Comprehensive Spending Review, as well as in the NHS 10-year plan. A positive step forward has been the announcement of funding to support up to 350 communities, which includes investment to improve swimming pools. This was followed by the announcement of £400 million for grassroots sports

facilities. The work now is to ensure that as much of this funding as possible finds its way to swimming pools and leisure centres, where it can have a lasting impact.

Salmon recognises that it isn’t the easiest of times for the aquatics sector – but remains positive about the road ahead. “There are many challenges facing aquatics in the coming years, but also many opportunities and exciting areas to help even more people enjoy all the benefits that the water can bring,” he says.

“We can’t ignore the huge challenges facing pools, leisure centres and lidos. We’ve seen almost 500 publicly available swimming pools lost in England since 2010 and many more under threat as a result of the well-publicised pressures, including massively increased operating costs – particularly in energy and staffing. Therefore, ensuring access to water

in the future will be a critically important challenge to address for everyone who relies on the water.

“We also know that there remains much work to do to tackle the existing inequalities we see in both participation and swimming attainment levels so we have to retain a focus on making sure swimming is an activity that truly is for everyone. That’s why we published our Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) in March, which aligns with the new strategy.

“On the opportunities front, the continued growth of outdoor swimming, the potential to better serve masters swimmers to support that lifelong participation in aquatics and the growing understanding of the importance of aquatic activity for the wellbeing of the nation are all areas I am incredibly excited about for the future.”

Dave Candler CEO

VIEWS from the POOLSIDE

SportsNation asked some of the aquatics sector leaders for their views on the state of swimming – and the challenges and opportunities faced by the sport

Swimming Teachers’ Association

How would you describe the current state of swimming across the UK at the moment?

Swimming continues to be one of the UK’s most loved and valuable physical activities. In fact, 99% of parents we recently surveyed during International Learn to Swim Week agreed that swimming is a vital life skill, underlining its importance to families and communities.

priorities, particularly as pool closures contribute to longer waiting lists.

As a partner with CIMSPA, we’re encouraging all employers to sign the recently launched Sector Pledge and support the Sport & Physical Activity

However, the sector is facing significant challenges, particularly around accessibility. Since 2010, the UK has seen the loss of around 500 swimming pools, with nearly half of those closures occurring since 2020. Recent analysis from Swim ENgland and ukactive, who we support as their Strategic Partner for Swimming, shows that 76% of all publicly accessible water space lost over the past 15 years has disappeared in just the last few years.

Despite these pressures, there is a strong foundation of public support and enthusiasm for swimming, creating a real opportunity for positive change. By taking collective action now - to protect facilities, improve affordability, and support the workforce - we can ensure that swimming remains accessible for future generations.

What about the well-publicised shortage of swimming teachers and instructors - where are we with that?

There has been encouraging progress, though challenges do remain. For example, our STAnd Up for Swimming campaign in 2022 trained 900 new swimming teachers for free to help tackle post-pandemic shortages - an initiative that continues to have a positive impact today.

Despite this, demand for lessons still exceeds supply, and recruitment and retention remain key

Employability Academy. By tailoring training to industry needs, this initiative aims to bring more young people into aquatic roles and create clear, rewarding career pathways. Technology also offers valuable support. Our partnership with CoverMe - an innovative app that helps operators manage teacher recruitment and lesson cover more efficiently - is already making a difference. By reducing admin burdens, improving compliance, and keeping lessons running smoothly, it ensures families experience fewer disruptions.

There is certainly light at the end of the tunnelbut only if we continue to invest in the workforce, embrace innovative solutions, and support employers in building sustainable, attractive careers in aquatics.

What do you see as the biggest threats/ challenges to the aquatics sector?

As an educational charity dedicated to helping people of all ages and abilities learn this vital life skill, our biggest challenge is accessibility.

Our parent survey echoed what we’ve heard for years: parents overwhelmingly want their children to learn to swim, but too many face barriers. Cost, a lack of available lessons, and pool closures remain the main issues. Many families simply can’t find lessons nearby or struggle to afford them - a situation worsened by the decline in local facilities.

If we don’t tackle these challenges, we risk leaving behind the very children and communities who would benefit most. Learning to swim isn’t just another activity - it’s a life-saving skill that builds confidence, safety, and lifelong enjoyment.

SWIMMING ISN’T JUST ANOTHER ACTIVITY – IT’S

A LIFE-SAVING SKILL

And what about the sector’s biggest opportunities and strengths?

One of the sector’s greatest strengths is the shared passion and commitment to making swimming accessible and welcoming for everyone. From community swimming groups to private providers and large leisure operators, there is a collective drive to help people of all ages learn this vital life skill.

Another key strength is the strong public recognition of swimming as an essential life skill rather than just a sport. Parents consistently tell us they value swimming for the safety, confidence, and lifelong enjoyment it brings their children - not just for competitive outcomes.

What are the main programmes or initiatives that STA is currently working on to help more people swim more often?

Over the last 12–18 months, we’ve launched a range of initiatives to make swimming more accessible and inclusive. In 2024, we launched two major communityfocused campaigns fully funded by STA: Community

STArters and Community Heart STArters. Community STArters awarded £1,000 grants to local charities and organisations delivering swimming and water safety programmes, including disability swim clubs, open water mental health sessions, and subsidised lessons for families facing financial hardship or homelessness. This led to the launch of Community Heart STArters earlier this year, which provides free defibrillators to not-for-profit aquatic and sports groups, improving safety and ensuring devices are registered with The Circuit, the national defibrillator network. Through STARLIGHT, launched in 2023, we upskilled 500 teachers in disability swimming. Impressively, 86% of these teachers now adapt all their lessons to be more inclusive, creating lasting, accessible opportunities.

Policy

EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO ENJOY

THE WATER AND BE SAFE

Jo Talbot Commercial Director RLSS UK

What do you see as the biggest threats to/challenges for the aquatics sector?

Facility decline. Since 2019, the total number of sites operating swimming pools in the UK has fallen by 8.7%, equating to the loss of 274 venues. We know that when swimming pools close, not only does it reduce the chance of children from the local community being able to learn to swim, but it also removes the opportunity to enjoy water safely and can increase the chances of people swimming in inland water that can lead to more drownings. Workforce is also a challenge, with the shortage of lifeguards increasing pressure on existing staff and affecting overall operations.

Confidence & Culture: Some can avoid swimming due to negative experiences, fear, or lack of cultural emphasis.

Statistics show that 95 per cent of black adults and 80 per cent of black children in England do not swim

Physical Access: People living further than 10miles from pools might find participating harder.

Inclusion Gaps: Children from low-income or ethnically diverse backgrounds are significantly less likely to leave school able to swim. Children from the most deprived areas are almost twice as likely to drown as those from the least deprived areas. Children of black ethnicity are three times as likely to drown as those of white ethnicity.

What are the sector’s biggest opportunities and strengths?

What are the main barriers for people being able to access welcoming and safe facilities?

Cost & Time: Lessons can be seen as expensive; and parents may have to prioritise other uses of their time and money.

Strong working collaborations through initiatives like the Swimming Alliance, to drive forward concepts, strategies and lobbying; working as one voice.

Embracing technology in all areas of swimming, from supervision to pool plant and swimming

lessons will enhance safety, support the workforce, provide efficiencies and improve service.

What water safety initiatives is RLSS

UK currently working on?

We have a new Strategic Framework for 2025–2030, which is focused on Engagement, Education, and expertise to eliminate drowning and enable safe enjoyment of water. Our Water Smart Schools programme is designed to help all children by embedding water safety in schools, especially benefiting SEND and low-income pupils.

If you’d be able to introduce a piece of legislation around swimming, what would that be?

One high-impact legislative change would be mandating water safety and swimming skills education across the school curriculum, with ringfenced funding and reporting requirements. This could involve expanding the statutory duty beyond leaving primary school – to ensure secondary schools provide ongoing water safety sessions – while providing funding for swimming pools that provide communities with safe places to enjoy water.

In addition, there should be a mandate to report on attainment by demographic (like Income, SEND, ethnicity) to identify and address inequities. This would ensure early and continued access, equitable resourcing, and accountability across regions and demographics, tackling the postcode lottery while embedding long-term water confidence and safety.

How would you describe the current state of swimming across the UK at the moment?

While UK aquatics faces significant threats, the sector also benefits from strong collaboration, effective training systems, innovative tech and targeted outreach. RLSSUK’s initiatives are strategically aligned to prevent drowning, professionalise staff, and broaden access. A legal shift mandating and funding swimming and water safety education and infrastructure equitably across all schools could dramatically accelerate progress.

With fewer swimming pools in operation, RLSS UK’s work is more important than ever. Our purpose is rooted in the belief that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy the water and be safe in aquatic environments.

Breaking down barriers to train more swimming teachers

The Institute of Swimming (IOS) is on a mission to dismantle long-standing barriers that prevent people from becoming swimming teachers. Through strategic initiatives and fresh funding models, the notfor-profit organisation aims to reshape who and how people enter the aquatics industry.

At the heart of its plans is the Institute of Swimming Recruitment Academy, a programme that has funded more than 1,000 course places across the past three years - 238 in 2024 alone - through partnerships with leisure operators who share the training costs. Diversifying the workforce is among its main aims; the number of people from ethnically diverse communities training to become swimming teachers has more than doubled since the Academies started, from just 10% in 2022 to 25% in 2024.

The year-on-year growth reflects the IOS’s strategy to geographically position Recruitment Academies in high areas of diversity. IOS has also transformed its marketing approach, incorporating more diverse voices and imagery that authentically represent diverse communities.

Rebecca Cox, Managing Director, IOS explains: “If people can’t see themselves reflected in our marketing campaigns, they’re less likely to believe this profession is for them. By showcasing real stories and faces from diverse backgrounds, we’re showing that swimming teaching is a career path open to everyone, regardless of their heritage.”

Financial accessibility remains a cornerstone of the Institute of Swimming’s approach to reducing barriers and, beyond the funded academy places, in February 2025 it introduced a Pay in 3 option

swimming teaching is a career path open to everyone, regardless of their heritage

Rebecca Cox

for people privately funding their training and CPD courses. More than 500 people have already made use of the flexible, split payments, representing 22% of all individual course bookings, and 59% of these are under 25 years old, enabling younger people to access training opportunities despite financial constraints.

Enhancing confidence

Amid rising concerns over declining swimming competence in UK primary children, a new University of East London (UEL) study offers promising insights into enhancing aquatic skills and confidence. UEL examined the impact of a SwimFin buoyancy aid on aquatic competence and fear of water.

Sixty primary-aged children

from a South London borough completed 12 weeks of swimming lessons, with 24 beginners using the SwimFin. Findings revealed strong performance among the SwimFin cohort, with most achieving over 76% of maximum scores. There was also a close alignment between children’s perceived and actual ability,

suggesting realistic self-awareness. All SwimFin participants showed low fear of water scores postprogramme. The research suggests that using buoyancy aids, such as SwimFin, in learning environments can potentially contribute to safer and more confident young swimmers, especially those from under-served communities.

Lichfield Leisure Centre – a community-focused, sustainable pool

The Lichfield Leisure Centre at Stychbrook Park could signal a way for the future of sustainable, community-focused swimming pool building.

Led by ReCreation Group – a company founded by Olympians Becky Adlington, Steve Parry and Adrian Turner – and supported by Astral Pools UK, the £13m development replaces an ageing facility with a purpose-built centre that prioritises accessibility, sustainability, and user-driven design. The new facility was inspired by real users, from disabled swimmers to grassroots clubs. Local engagement shaped everything from changing room design to pool layout, including a 25m variabledepth modular pool and an 80-station gym with indoor cycling, dance studios and community areas, as well as a full-size, 3G football pitch.

At the heart of the facility – designed by Box Architects – is a 25m modular pool solution expedited by Astral Pools UK. The flexible, modular, above-ground pool solution offers energy-efficient, accessible and adaptable aquatic facilities that minimise disruption and maximise lifespan. It also allowed faster installation, while meeting stringent energy-efficiency targets.

Beyond the pool, the centre includes landscape architecture, SUDS system, BNG 20%+, EV car charging spaces, Changing Places, walk-in steps for users with ambulant difficulties and a sustainable outdoor playground. With BREEAM ‘Very Good’ sustainability credentials and over 10% biodiversity net gain, the facility – due to open in December2025 – also benefits from solar panels, airsource heat pumps, low Uvalue construction, and recyclable materials.

Smarter lighting for safer swimming

Lighting a commercial swimming pool isn’t just about ensuring visibility — it’s about safety, performance, and long-term sustainability. From leisure centres to competition venues, achieving the right lighting levels is critical for both pool users and operators. That’s where Earlsmann Lighting brings real value. With more than 15 years of specialist experience, Earlsmann designs, supplies, and installs LED lighting systems for indoor pools across the UK. Our team understands the unique challenges posed by pool environments — high humidity chlorine environment, reflective surfaces, and stringent safety demands — and delivers lighting schemes that meet those challenges head-on. Compliance is essential. Lighting must adhere to BSEN12193 and Swim England/Sport England guidelines, ensuring the correct lux levels,

uniformity, and glare control. Poor lighting not only affects visibility for swimmers and lifeguards but can compromise safety, comfort, and operational approval. At Earlsmann, we use advanced modelling to design lighting schemes that are fully compliant and tailored to your space, giving you confidence from the start.

But compliance is just the beginning. Energy efficiency is increasingly important as facility managers face rising energy costs and carbon reduction targets. Earlsmann’s LED lighting solutions are engineered for efficiency — cutting energy usage by 60% or more compared to outdated fluorescent or metal halide systems. Where possible, by integrating smart controls, daylight sensors, and dimming functions, we help pools reduce consumption further without compromising performance.

Lighting impacts aesthetics, ambience, and the overall user experience

Why expertise, e ciency and standards matter in commercial pool lighting

We also know the importance of the bigger picture. Lighting impacts aesthetics, ambience, and the overall user experience. From competitionstandard pools to community swim centres, we create lighting that enhances visibility, improves safety, and lowers ongoing costs — all while supporting net-zero ambitions. Every project starts with a no-obligation survey and consultation. Whether you’re planning a refurbishment or a new installation, our team is ready to help.

absorption and dynamic fatigue

● To discuss your next pool lighting project, contact Earlsmann Lighting on 01884 259917 email sales@earlsmann.co.uk or visit www.earlsmann.co.uk. Let’s light your space the right way – safely, efficiently, and brilliantly.

Lighting impacts aesthetics, ambience and the overall user experience of pools

SWIMMING AGAINST THE TIDE

UK’s pool stock continues to shrink, but less dramatically than last year; Leisure DB releases its State of the UK Swimming Industry Report 2025

The UK’s pool stock has shrunk again this year, with the decline more marked in the public than in the private sector.

In the 12 months to 31 March 2025, the total number of UK sites operating a pool fell to 2,882 – a fall of 0.5 per cent since 31 March 2024. This compares to a 2 per cent drop in the previous 12 months. In addition, the total number of pools also fell by 0.4 per cent this year, to 4,257 pools.

IN THE DEEP END

The figures come from the State of the UK Swimming Industry Report 2025, compiled by market intelligence expert Leisure DB, published in July. The full report is available to read, for free, at www.leisuredb.com/publications

Interviewing operators and experts for the report, it is clear this year’s slower rate of decline fails to alleviate concerns over the bigger trend.

Swim England CEO, Andy Salmon, notes that “76 per cent of the publicly accessible water space lost in the past 15 years has been lost since 2020”, while GLL’s Andrew Clark comments: “Pools are drowning. Without increased support, smaller operators will disappear and pool closures will continue to accelerate.”

There is some good news from within the

The full report is available to read, for free, by using the QR code or visiting www.leisuredb.com/publications

sector, with many referencing a new era of collaboration and pointing to early wins being achieved by The Swimming Alliance. The alliance is a collaborative group of more than 25 leading national organisations united to address the urgent and systemic challenges facing swimming and aquatic participation across the UK. It advocates for equity, sustainability, and strategic investment in swimming as a life-saving skill, public health priority, and national development asset.

STRONG DEMAND

Operators interviewed this year also report continued strong demand for swimming; although many acknowledge a plateau being reached following the post-COVID-19 boom, they also report this sitting at a higher level of participation than pre-pandemic. The average public sector

Operators are facing tough trading conditions, shaped by rising costs and cautious consumer spending

pay-per-swim fee has also risen again, to £5.80, while GLL reports a 10 per cent increase in swimming lesson income following price rises.

“In spite of these price rises, sales have rocketed this year. It just shows that in a lot of cases, public leisure is still underpricing what it does,” says GLL’s Clark.

Nevertheless, there is broad agreement with the findings of Sport England’s Moving Communities survey (October 2024), which found that although “swimming still represents the most quoted main activity”, people’s “activity mix has changed gradually over the last four years, with swimming decreasing and fitness and group exercise increasing”.

As a result, several operators interviewed this year reference a need for greater innovation and investment – including in programming and staff training – to drive further growth.

“Although there is some good news for the UK’s swim sector – notably where new pools are a major component of regeneration – this year’s State of the UK Swimming Industry Report continues to highlight net losses of pool provision,” says Leisure DB founder David Minton in his foreword to the report.

“Those still operating have to work harder to satisfy the demand from the myriad of users; this report shows how constant innovation and programming continues to drive the carrying capacity of the reduced water volume.”

Alongside interviews, commentary and analysis, this flagship report for the UK’s swim sector also provides a full breakdown of pool numbers and locations, openings and closures, public and private sector leaders, fees, facilities and more.

“Our thanks go to all our expert commentators and, of course, to our partners who have enabled us to share this fantastic report for free,” says Minton.

CAPITAL GAINS

London Football Association, one of the largest county FAs in England, launched its new four-year strategy in November 2024. CEO Paul Bickerton discusses the strategy and how London FA’s facilities plan aims to improve grass pitches, develop multi-use game areas and build 3G facilities to address the growing demand for football in London

Paul Bickerton has spent his entire career in sport. After completing a sport and exercise sciences degree, he worked as a football coach in the US, before returning to the UK to take up a sports development officer role at Hampshire County Council. After four years at the council, he then moved to UK Coaching, where he was involved in developing and implementing coaching policy at a national level, working closely with external partners, such as the DCMS, national governing bodies of sport and the four UK sports councils.

From there, he moved to Badminton England where, during a five year spell, he was responsible for the development of the sport in London, the South East and the East Region. Then, in 2013 he joined Sport England, where he spent five years – three of which as head of partnerships – before being appointed CEO of London FA in August 2018.

The London FA published a new four-year strategy last year, covering the years 2024-28. What were the main drivers behind it and how was it created? It’s the second strategy I’ve overseen while CEO, the first being a five-year plan we launched in 2019 to 2024 – soon after I joined. Creating the first one, back in 2018 and 2019, we implemented a full consultation with the sector, covering

everyone from our commercial and professional partners to facility providers, our members – the grassroots and community clubs and leagues – and all of the different bodies we worked with. We wanted to find out what they all thought about the London FA and the role we should play in all of those areas. That’s where the 2019 strategy came from.

As that strategy had only been in place for a few months before COVID-19 hit, a lot of the plans we outlined in it were heavily affected by the pandemic. That’s why quite a bit of what we wanted to do in that first strategy actually ended up being part of the 2024 strategy too. Partly because of the pandemic, but also partly because I think the organisation wasn’t quite ready to deliver externally the way that we thought it was. The one thing we did see during 2019-2024 was healthy growth levels in football across London – which was one of our primary aims for the cycle.

The new strategy, called ‘London For All’, launched in 2024 and has five main aims, ranging from building new facilities and improving opportunities for people to play the sport to tackling bad behaviour both on and off the pitch. Inclusion is a big thing for us and we want to drive women’s and girls football and deliver everyone equal opportunities to play football.

Importantly, the strategy recognises that London FA cannot grow the sport across London alone. We rely on our network of clubs and leagues – and a whole host of other partners –to deliver that growth. We are much stronger when working together and collectively.

Linked to that, in our consultations it also became clear that we had to tackle the perception of the London FA being this slightly old-fashioned governing body that simply sets rules and regulations. We’re a much broader organisation than that.

We do the governing part, of course, but we also do a lot of developmental work, grow the game, add value to it, provide educational opportunities and undertake a lot of inclusion and diversity projects. Increasingly, we also do some commercial work to try and bring more money into the game. So the drivers behind the strategy were a combination of things.

You also recently rebranded – was that part of that process of changing the perception of London FA?

In short, yes. The rebrand coincided with the launch of the strategy so, together, they provided a new direction of travel for the organisation. We realised that if our stakeholders saw us as this slightly stuffy governing body, we needed to get the message out that we are fundamentally a very different organisation to that.

Up until last November, we didn’t really have a brand and we were talking differently to different stakeholders. With the rebrand, our aim was to

We’re much stronger when working together and collectively

get right to the heart of the type of organization London FA was. We wanted the brand to reflect what do we do and what our values are.

As a result, I see the rebrand as a major shift. It has provided a very different look and feel for the organisation. A good example is our new logo. The old one was based on an ancient City of London one – the type you would see on old blazers. The new, modern one is clean and there’s a clever nod to the River Thames, so we’re still very much all about London.

The reception has been better than I ever thought. I thought it would be more controversial than it has been, but our stakeholders have loved it. And it has worked – it has given us an identity, both internally and externally.

What are the biggest challenges you face at the moment?

One of the biggest challenges is also one of our biggest opportunities – the huge growth in the popularity of football at grassroots level. It has been huge, especially in London. The challenge is that we have to operate in a very tight urban environment.

When you get a huge increase in demand, you also get huge pressure on supply. So while we’d much rather have the problem than not, it does mean that we’re struggling in terms of facility space. We also haven’t got enough coaches, referees nor enough volunteers. So there’s enormous pressure on the system.

Nowhere is this challenge more acute than in the women and girls game. For context – there were around 3,000 affiliated female players when I started in 2018. We now have just over 8,000 – so we’ve nearly tripled the number in seven years.

Unfortunately, for the women and girls game, the infrastructure is currently lacking. There aren’t enough leagues, clubs, facilities or coaches.

The new London FA logo (above) features the river Thames, replacing the old one (below), which was based on a City of London motif

The rebrand gave us an identity –both internally and externally

The challenge for us is to release some of that pressure. Unlocking more facilities, for example, is right at the heart of that. How do we create more and better facilities, which in turn create more referees, coaches and volunteers.

When it comes to facilities, what is your strategy there?

London FA

With nearly 1,000 affiliated clubs and more than 5600 teams, the London FA is one of the largest County Football Association’s in the country. With around 80,000 registered players, the association equates to a medium-sized NGB.

The real challenge with facilities is that we’re in an urban city where space is at premium. There’s a housing shortage, so a lot of the green space you’d want to use to develop football facilities also sees demand from house builders and developers. On the opportunity side, football is one of the few sports to receive significant amounts of government

Bickerton (left) at the launch of the London FA strategy

London for All strategy (2024-2028)

● Improving playing choice and experience for all by embracing different football formats and providers. This includes the target to develop and grow disability football to over 900 participants, providing 79 new playing opportunity sessions.

● Deliver equal opportunities for women and girls to play by

The London FA strategy is set out to complement the FA’s own Grassroots Football Strategy for the 2024 –2028 period and aims to address five core elements:

growing female participation to 12,970, including 215 new female casual playing opportunities.

● Build more and improve existing facilities by supporting the development of 9 new 3G pitches and improve the quality of 336 grass pitches.

● Tackle poor behaviour on and off

funding to its facility landscape – a lot of which is delivered through the Football Foundation.

What we’ve done is focus on four areas of our plan. The first is in recognition that the majority of football is still played on grass. We want to improve the quality of grass pitches and make them more durable. One of the ways we achieve this is through the Football Foundation’s PitchPower programme, which helps clubs make remedial works that make a really big difference to the playing surfaces. The second is to look at protecting existing playing fields or repurposing sites that might close down.

Then there are two new programmes. One is the Football Foundation’s Play Zone initiative, which helps create multi-use game areas (MUGAs) that are

the pitch by delivering high quality and more efficient discipline and safeguarding case management.

● Develop a valued network of volunteers, coaches, and referees by growing our match official pool to 1,444, our volunteer workforce to over 5,800, and our coaching workforce to over 5,360.

perfect for small-sided football and youth football.

The fourth and probably biggest “plank” of our strategies is to create more full-sized 3G pitches and facilities. They undoubtedly have the biggest impact on local communities in terms of providing football provision and generating supply for activities. Put simply, they’re transformational.

Our plans is to help create 3G sites in strategic locations across London. Once you’ve got a 3G site up and running, you can have fantastic programmes and develop all sorts of things.

So our facilities plan is set into those four key areas – improving natural grass, protecting playing fields, creating playzones and a very big focus on full-size 3G sites.

Event review

The first ever Active-net Padel event o ered delegates a day of insight, networking and opportunities to engage with sector professionals

SHAPING GROWTH

More than 30 padel operators met for a day of insight and networking

The inaugural active-net Padel event, held on 3 June at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Stansted, brought together a diverse mix of padel court operators, universities, leisure providers and industry suppliers for a full day of networking, education and collaboration. With 30 padel court operators and a wide range of supplier partners – from court manufacturers and franchise providers to marketing agencies and ancillary service suppliers – the event was designed to provide valuable opportunities for networking and growth within this fast growing sport.

Discussions and networks

Throughout the day, attendees engaged in 12 pre-scheduled one-to-one meetings, alongside informal networking sessions. There was also a structured educational programme, with panel discussions that highlighted the potential and challenges in the current marketplace.

The event began with a lively welcome panel, expertly chaired by Mike Hill, Director of Activenet, and featuring leading voices from the sector, including Fabian David (Britain Padel Tour), Patrick Burge (Major Padel Club) and Gareth Evans (Padel Ventures). Their discussion set the tone for a day focused on innovation, collaboration and strategic investment.

The event attracted more than 30 padel court operators and a range of suppliers

Delegates then took part in one of two insightful breakout sessions. The Data Behind the Opportunity, chaired by Julie Allen (Active Insight), explored key trends and market intelligence with contributions from Ray Algar (Oxygen Consulting) and Jake Bennett (Padel Ventures). Meanwhile, the Making the Most of the Investment session, chaired by Mike Hill, saw Gareth Evans, Andy Baker (SwimSpa) and Miguel Dominguez (Major Padel Club) share practical advice on optimising returns and building sustainable padel offerings.

Insights and value

Feedback from delegates was overwhelmingly positive, with all praising the quality of meetings and the relevance of the content. For many, it was the first chance to engage face-to-face with such a concentrated pool of decisionmakers and suppliers within the padel space. Reflecting on the event, David Monkhouse, Director of active-net, said: “We were thrilled by the response to our first active-net Padel event. It was fantastic to see so many passionate and forward-thinking individuals coming together with a shared focus on growth and innovation. As with all our events, our aim is to connect people through insight and create memorable experiences…and this event did exactly that.”

THE EVOLUTION OF PADEL

More than 6,000 padel industry professionals attended this year’s Padel World Summit in Barcelona. The record attendance connected manufacturers, investors, clubs, federations and industry leaders - cementing the event as the industry’s No 1 trade event

Taking place in May each year, the Padel World Summit is a unique space, acting as a platform to create strategic alliances and explore new business opportunities.

Attracting a wide range of professionals and companies from within the sector, the event also promotes the professionalisation of the sport and its expansion into international markets.

A new location

Held at Fira de Barcelona’s Gran Via, this year’s edition featured a new location and a sleeker format. For visitors, the new format meant that it was easy to ‘dip in’ to the Innovation Zone, where 20 start-ups had the opportunity to pitch their ideas, or the main forum and hear from 50 plus

speakers on key industry topics. There was also a good sprinkle of padel stardust with global padel stars such as Fernando Belasteguin, Manu Martin and Bojana Jovanovic all gracing the Summit.

However, it was the exhibition floor where the event truly thrived, with new products launched, innovations showcased, deals struck, and connections made. The staging saw the main floor encircled by padel courts from eight of the world’s major manufacturers, taking the opportunity to catch the eye.

Those eyes focused on AFP Courts at the midway point of three-day show, as it officially launched the adidas PPL High Competition 2025, which was exclusively designed and manufactured for the Pro Padel League. It was the centrepiece occasion for AFP, with a ribbon cutting ceremony by PPL CEO Mike Dorfman, who was joined by representatives from adidas, GS Sports Management and future host cities in Mexico and Spain.

Mon Garres, marketing director for AFP Courts, said: “This is a milestone for AFP Courts being the official padel court for the PPL. This is a future investment because we want to be there when padel booms across the States.

“It’s already starting to boom in Florida, Texas, as well as California and we went to Racket X this year at the beginning of the year – it is a major new market for us. For us going hand in hand with the Pro Padel League was very important.”

The event provided delegates with a wide-ranging programme of sessions

Planning expansion

Jubo Padel, which landed a prime location in the hall, used the Summit as an opportunity to explore potential industry partners. Lee J Witham, of Padel +, Jubo Padel’s distributor in the UK and the North America, explained how Jubo Padel looked to benefit from its presence in Barcelona.

“I’m looking at the industry and seeing what’s out there and if it meets our standards,” Witham said. “I’m not necessarily looking for anything in particular but just looking and assessing. Currently, we’ve new projects starting in the US, while the UK market is still developing for us, however we’ve recently just taken on a lot of new business. It’s important to keep informed.”

Elsewhere, padel court turf specialists Mondo used the show as an opportunity to reinforce its position as the leading court flooring manufacturer,

having launched Premier Supercourt X3, which is used by Premier Padel, 12 months ago.

Pilar Moreo, padel product manager for Mondo, said: “For us, it’s important to be at this global padel event. It enables contact with new distributors or new leads for projects across the world. In Barcelona we talked to a lot of customers from the UK, Germany, France, Australia, Spain, Italy and United States.”

Innovations

Trocellen, which specialises in the development of the foam core for padel rackets, was showcasing its bio-based foams, which significantly reduce CO2 emissions. Jose Vicente Fernandez Morales from Trocellen Iberica, said: “From the soft density to a hard density and those in between, we have different products and foams that have different playabilities and different performance in the padel racket for all standards of players.

Away from hardware, Matchi x Matchpoint, creators of a white label booking app, were able to showcase their product having completed a full integration since last year’s show in Malaga.

Mario Aurino, business development manager at TPC-Matchpoint said: “Being at the Summit was an amazing opportunity and congratulations go to Alex Ponseti and his team on a great event.”

The Padel World Summit will return to Fira Barcelona on May 26-28, 2026

Policy STRIVING for SUSTAINABILITY

SportsNation looks at some of the recent sustainability initiatives, designed to make sport more green

New fund to create ‘world’s greenest sports industry’

Sport England has made a pledge to reserve £16 million from its Movement Fund to help the grassroots sports sector “respond to the impact of climate change”. Community sports clubs and physical activity groups looking to become more environmentally friendly and sustainable will be able to apply for funding between £300 and £15,000.

Applications for the funding need relate to one of six criteria. These are:

● 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

● Just transition: inequalities, inclusion and participation.

Sport England chair Chris Boardman said the multimillion-pound fund will help create the ‘greenest sports sector in the world’. “The funding represents the biggest ever package of support for the sports sector as part of our ambition to create the greenest sports industry in the world,” Boardman said.

The announcement comes a year after Sport England published Every Move – its first ever environmental sustainability strategy.

Taylor Made Designs recycle more than 1.5 tonnes of garments in a month

Branded clothing and merchandise specialist, Taylor Made Designs, recycled more than a tonne of end-of-use garments on behalf of its clients during a single month. As part of its efforts to become more sustainable, the company – which specialises in sports and leisure clothing – offers customers a garment recycling service.

“End-of-use, damaged and out-of-date uniform doesn’t need to go to landfill,” the company says. “It can be sent to us, and we will manage its sustainable & responsible disposal.

“Demand for this service has grown over the years and we now bag up unwanted uniforms for some of the UK’s best-known brands.

“For the first time ever, in March 2025 we bagged up more than 200 eight-kilogram bags. That’s more than a metric tonne and a half of clothing saved from landfill.” To read more about the service: www.taylormadedesigns.co.uk

Edgbaston launches Go Green Game to cut matchday carbon emissions

Edgbaston Stadium launched its new ‘Go Green Game’ at the Women’s IT20 between England and India on Saturday 12 July. The sustainability-focused initiative helps to raise awareness of climate change and is part of the venue’s wider sustainability pledge to reach Net Zero by 2030, in-line with Birmingham City Council’s commitment to address climate issues and promote sustainability within the city.

Reinforcing Edgbaston’s leadership in sustainable sport, the match will be the stadium’s second Go Green Game. Building on the success of the inaugural 2023 fixture, which saw the overall match carbon emissions reduce by a third, the 2025 game hopes to further reduce the overall

EnviroStik introduces sustainable innovations

emissions through a series of new initiatives, matchday activations and sustainable practices.

Addressing one of the biggest contributors to matchday emissions, spectator travel to games, Edgbaston has partnered with National Express West Midlands and Transport for West Midlands to encourage the use of sustainable

SAPCA member, EnviroStik has announced significant strides in sustainability in recent months. The adhesives company, which specialises in providing products to the synthetic grass sports surface sector, has launch a new Eco-Fix adhesive range, transitioned to solar-powered energy at its Staffordshire-based facility and provided a sustainable update to its tape offering. The new Eco-Fix adhesive range is seen as a groundbreaking development in adhesive. Manufactured using recycled synthetic grass the product aims to help the sports and play construction industry move towards a circular economy. It is the first product of its type on the market, which is produced from end-of-life synthetic grass carpets and, as a result, Eco-Fix helps projects meet sustainability targets and reduce their environmental footprint. Its innovative recycled content formula also

transport options for the game.

On the day, spectators will have access to a free National Express West Midlands shuttle bus service (the 501 service) from Birmingham New Street Station. Transport for West Midlands is also providing spectators the opportunity to sign up for free travel on the wider bus network .

meets or exceeds all governing body standards, such as FIFA.

Based on the average-sized football pitch, Eco-Fix eliminates a minimum of 5 million microplastic particles from inevitably polluting ecosystems.

Complementing the Eco-Fix launch, EnviroStik has installed a solar PV and battery storage system at its manufacturing facility in Stone, Staffordshire.

The new system enables the company to generate over 60% of its electricity through solar power, paving the way for an increasingly carbon-conscious future in which renewable energy is the norm.

Finally, EnviroStik has updated its SP and LMP Extra Tapes, which offer durable solutions for sports surface construction. The revisions mean both tapes are now made using up to 70% recycled plastic, meeting both the Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) and the Global Recycled Standard (GRS), while still meeting and exceeding FIFA standards. For more information, vist: www.envirostik.com

The industry heads to the water at Elevate

Not every industry event starts with a swim. But then, Elevate isn’t every event

On the morning of Day 1, delegates gather at Royal Victoria Dock for the CoursePro Open Water

Swim — an early start that offers something a little different before the exhibition halls open and the conference begins.

It’s not a race, and it’s not a spectacle. It’s a well-organised, open invitation to get in the water, focus the mind, and meet others in the sector in a shared setting outside the usual routine.

Importantly, the swim doesn’t compete with ELEVATE — it complements it. By encouraging delegates to start the day actively, reflectively and together, it adds a meaningful layer to the wider event experience.

Supported by Swim England, Love Open Water and proudly sponsored by HUBB, the event reflects a shared commitment to making

outdoor swimming more accessible and more central to conversations about movement, recovery and wellbeing. With experienced open water staff and lifeguards on hand, swimmers of all levels are welcomed and well supported.

An early morning with purpose

The swim offers a rare kind of start to the day—fresh air, cold water, and a complete change of pace. For some, it’s a physical challenge.

For others, it’s a reset before the noise of the show. Either way, it’s an experience that brings a kind of clarity you can’t get indoors.

There’s something about open water that sharpens your focus. The city fades. The inbox waits. And for twenty minutes or so, it’s just movement, breath, and the feeling of doing something real—before stepping into a packed event.

The shared experience of stepping in together tends to break the ice better than any introduction across a conference table.

The Royal Victoria Dock hosted the first CoursePro Open Water Swim

A proper catch-up (with pastries)

Once wetsuits come off and everyone starts to warm up again, the group heads to the post-swim networking breakfast nearby. It’s a chance to sit down, have a proper conversation, and enjoy the feeling of starting the day with something meaningful.

Attendees often say it’s where the most useful exchanges happen. Less structure, more openness—and the kind of conversations that lead to real collaboration later on.

What it says about CoursePro

The event is run by CoursePro by Fitronics, known across the leisure sector for helping swim schools and centres simplify bookings, attendance, staffing, and communication. The swim reflects that same focus: keep things simple, supportive, and centred on people.

“This event brings people back to why they came into this industry in the first place,” says Marc Jones, Head of Commercial at Fitronics.

“It’s about connection, movement, and starting the day with purpose. We’re proud to host something that feels authentic to the people it’s for.”

a great way to “break the ice”

The shared experience of stepping in open water together is

It’s about connection, movement, and starting the day with purpose.

Rather than talk about creating space for progress, CoursePro demonstrates it—with real action, in open water.

Looking forwards — and thinking back

Whether you’re reading this the week before or flipping through these pages with a postshow brew, the CoursePro Open Water Swim is something people remember—not because it’s flashy, but because it’s genuine.

For those who took part: it’s already a highlight. And for those who didn’t: it’s the kind of start to the day that stays with you.

● Learn more about the event: www. fitronics.com/coursepro-open-water-swim-event

ELEVATE SETS THE PACE

This year’s Elevate trade show at Excel London was its biggest edition yet. The event, which brings together physical activity, fitness, health and leisure professionals, welcomed over 6,500 delegates, hosted 200+ brands and delivered a wide-ranging educational programme – as well as plenty of opportunities for networking.

A gauge for the industry

With more than 8,000sq m of exhibition space and representation from both established industry leaders and 48 debut brands, this year’s show offered a dynamic glimpse into the future of physical activity. From innovative product launches to powerful discussions across 12 dedicated content streams, Elevate 2025 set a new benchmark for trade events in the sector.

The free-to-attend education programme featured more than 200 speakers across four Elevate-curated theatres; Debate, Generate, Accelerate and Collaborate, plus five partner-led stages. These included FitPro LIVE, Active Kids, Active Aquatics, Technogym Education Theatre and Third Space Academy.

Elevate provided a valuable platform to connect with the UK market and showcase our Pilates equipment and education. We led two packed seminars on the business potential of Group Reformer, exploring programme design, ROI and instructor training. The event’s community-driven atmosphere fostered meaningful conversations with current and future partners

Chanin Cook, Marketing Director, Balanced Body

“The response to Elevate 2025 has been incredible” says Lucy Findlay-Beale, Event Director at Elevate. “From the energy on the show floor to the standing-roomonly education sessions, the response from the industry has been phenomenal.

“We’re incredibly proud to have created an event that not only showcases the best our sector has to offer, but also drives meaningful conversations and collaboration.

“The feedback from exhibitors and delegates alike has been overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing Elevate’s role as the central hub for innovation, learning and connection. As we look ahead to our 10th anniversary in 2026, we’re more committed than ever to growing with the industry and delivering even more value to our community.”

Trends and learnings

This year’s educational highlights included the CEO session on the Debate Theatre stage, interactive sessions on AI and GLP-1s, hands-on workshops at FitPro LIVE and a high-level focus on workforce development, innovation and inclusivity.

Elevate 2025 was another reminder of why I love this industry. Great people, great energy and great ideas. It was a joy to get out there, catch up with familiar faces and introduce some of the innovations our clients can look forward to over the next 12 months.

Lindsay Purcell-Myatt, Business Development Manager, Taylor Made Designs

Lucy Findlay-Beale

Alongside the theatres, the exhibition floor showcased the sector’s breadth and ambition. A diverse mix of exhibitors brought fresh thinking and product innovation to life, from advanced technology and recovery tools to inclusive equipment and performance solutions. Many stands were immersive, engaging and designed to draw in visitors with stand-out demos, activations and expert insight.

The Future Fit Education Partner Lounge was a consistent hub of energy throughout the two days, packed with meaningful conversations, industry connections and collaboration. It embodied Elevate’s commitment to education and partnership, offering a dedicated space for learning and networking at the heart of the show.

One of the keynotes this year was an “in conversation” session between Swim England CEO Andy Salmon and the Chair of the influential Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee and former DCMS minister, Dame Caroline Dinenage MP.

For us, Elevate is a great way to connect with many industry friends, colleagues and partners to show our “why” as an industry. Which is to help businesses become more successful and inspire more people to fall in love with fitness.

Blake Fletcher, Country Manager, UK & Ireland, iFIT & Freemotion Fitness

The discussion focused on how sport can shape healthier communities and improve lives, while it also highlighted some of the pressing challenges facing aquatics and a review of the government’s approach to sport and physical activity one year in.

“Synchronisation” was a key theme, in terms of the need to link government departments when it comes to policy-decision and setting strategies for getting people more active. “We need to get the departments in the same room,” Dame Caroline said.

She also encouraged the physical activity sector to further work on forming a united front and a clear message. “Every sector has asked, or is still asking, for a VAT cut,” she explained. “You might want to find something else to campaign for. Ideally, you want to be selling a solution with societal benefits.”

Looking ahead

Next year’s event will mark a decade of influence and organisers are already planning new features and expanded offerings to reflect the industry’s continued growth and evolving priorities.

According to Findlay-Beale, demand for next year’s landmark edition is already surging. “More than 60% of floor space for Elevate 2026 already reserved,” she says. “The strong early uptake reflects both the success of Elevate 2025 and the industry’s appetite to be part of the event’s special 10th anniversary celebrations.”

Two epic days at Elevate – packed with energy, inspiration, and next-level fitness moments. Our team had an incredible time connecting with amazing customers and showcasing the latest in EGYM innovation. The energy was electric. The people are truly inspiring. And the memories? Unforgettable.

Steve Barton, Country Director, EGYM

CIMSPA Conference 2025 Stay

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PlayNation UK

PLAY FOR ALL AGES

Products and solutions designed for older children and teenagers

Restoring play

A deep-dive into the Raising the Nation Play Commission

Unprepared childhoods

Lack of play opportunities is causing fewer children to be "school ready”

The importance of Play!

Play England campaigns for all children and young people to have freedom and space to play throughout childhood.

We work with national partners and other organisations with shared aims to raise awareness about the importance of play. We lobby government to make fundamental policy changes to protect and promote play, and encourage everyone who has an impact

on the lives of children and young people to recognise and plan for children’s play.

Play England has also built up considerable experience and resources to help support individuals and organisations that work in these particular areas:

Government

Local Authorities

Schools

Playwork

We need your support

The new UK government is making positive noises about understanding the importance of play. However, against this positive backdrop, Play England is suffering from a lack of funds to pay for our essential work campaigning for children’s right and freedom to play. Donate today to support our work. www.playengland.org.uk/donate

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Contributors

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CEO

FUNdamentally Children @AmandaGummer

Maria Cantarella

CEO Association of Indoor Play

Tom Walker Editor

PlayNation tom@ nationmedia.uk

Marguerite Hunter Blair CEO

Play Scotland @ PlayScotland

Angela Stallard Director of service delivery & development PlayBoard NI

PlayNation UK

The importance of play and physical activity for young people

PlayNation, in partnership with Play England and SAPCA (the Sports And Play Construction Association), is dedicated exclusively to the dynamic and growing sector of play and physical activity for children and young people. Published bi-monthly, the magazine focuses on the policies, people and places that help young people to play and be more active. Subscribe now and we will email you a complimentary copy of the magazine every two months.

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Tom Hayes tables Play Su ciency amendment to planning bill

Tom Hayes MP has officially tabled an amendment to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill which calls for a statutory Play Sufficiency duty to be embedded in planning law.

The amendment would require local planning authorities to assess, secure, enhance and protect sufficient opportunities for children’s play across formal and informal spaces, streets, neighbourhoods, parks, schools and more.

It also calls for local planning authorities to undertake and publish play sufficiency assessments at intervals to be defined in regulations, then integrate the findings and recommendations of the assessments into local plans, relevant strategies, infrastructure planning and development decisions.

The amendment also calls for planning authorities to not give permission for any development which would lead to a net loss of formal or informal play spaces – except where equivalent or improved provision is secured.

Eugene Minogue, Executive Director of Play England, said: “This is a big moment for play. We are working to shift policy into law.”

The move also has the support of the Sports and Play Construction Association (SAPCA). SAPCA CEO, Richard Shaw, said: “The

amendment tabled by Tom Hayes is a major step towards children finally having a voice in planning.

“To ensure that developers contribute towards inclusive, accessible play opportunities would be transformative in the journey to give children their childhood back.”

Playscheme introduces new Scramble Stax for outdoor play

At Clifton with Rawcliffe Primary School in York, the installation of a Playscheme Scramble Stax has transformed outdoor play — and the children can’t get enough of it.

Designed to challenge and excite, the Scramble Stax is a dynamic structure packed with a wide variety of obstacles and activities. From climbing nets and rope bridges to balance beams and jumping platforms, it offers a rich mix of physical challenges that encourage strength, coordination, and problem-solving. Every element has been carefully considered to support imaginative and active play.

Tom Hayes MP has become a champion for play in Westminster

Stax is designed to challenge and excite

Call for UK Government to prioritise play for a “creative Britain”

A new report has called for “urgent action” from the UK government to recognise and integrate play as a fundamental right and critical component of child development and a “Creative Britain.”

The “The Power 2 Play” report, published today by the Alliance 4 Children and the University of Winchester, highlights the steady decline in play opportunities for children across England and provides a comprehensive set of recommendations for policymakers at national and local levels.

It also outlines some alarming statistics regarding play, which reveal worrying long-term trends – such as outdoor play having declined by 50% in a generation, at least 400 playgrounds closing across England between 2012 and 2022 and more than 2 million children in England (up to the age of 9) not living within a ten-minute walk of a playground.

Among the report’s recommendations is to embed play-based learning in curricula at all levels

To combat the decline in play, the report makes a number of recommendations. These include a move to recognise play as a fundamental right and the creation of a Department for Children, Young People & Families (or Cabinet Level Minister for Children).

The report also underscores that “play powers children to turn the impossible into the possible”, carrying these transformative skills forward to benefit their lives and society”. The report will be officially released on the 23 August at the House of Lords.

Play Scotland appoints Mary Ramsay as CEO

Play Scotland has appointed Mary Ramsay as its new Chief Executive. She will take up the role in August, replacing Marguerite Hunter Blair OBE, who announced that she is stepping down after almost 20 years in the post.

Ramsay joins Play Scotland from the Scottish Childminding Association where she has worked since 2021, following a previous role in Care and Learning Alliance. With 18 years in the childcare sector, she brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of the national and local play landscape, alongside 17 years of service as an Army Reservist.

Ramsay said: “Marguerite has been an inspiring and tireless advocate for children’s right to play, and I am grateful for the strong foundation she has built. I look forward to building on Marguerite’s legacy.”

Ramsay joins Play Scotland from the Scottish Childminding Association

Monkey Town enters UK market with Rascals deal

European indoor playground brand, Monkey Town, has announced its entry into the UK market with the acquisition of Rascals Party & Play Centre in Preston. The deal marks the group’s first UK site, kicking off a bold expansion plan aimed at making Monkey Town a household name for families across the country.

Operated by Dutch leisure group, 24 Indoor, Monkey Town has more than 75 indoor playgrounds across the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland and Spain.

The company is one of Europe’s largest and fastest-growing soft play operators, offering immersive themed environments, food and beverage and play experiences such as laser tag, toddler zones, Valo Jump and mini bowling.

Rascals is a well-established soft play centre in Central Lancashire, serving local families for over 17 years. Catering for children from birth to 12 years, it features a large three-tier play structure with slides, trampolines, tunnels, and PAYG ride-ons, alongside a dedicated toddler zone and a baby area packed with sensory play.

Wandsworth’s “Year of Play”

Wandsworth Council has launched its Year of Play programme, a yearlong project designed to make the South London borough the “best place for children to grow, explore and enjoy the freedom of play”.

The initiative is part of the council’s plans to invest £15 million in improving playgrounds and play spaces over the next three years. The investment will include more than 15 new or refurbished play sites opening in the next 12 months – which will be celebrated during the Year of Play.

Guided by the council’s Play Strategy, the Year of Play will create inclusive, high-quality play opportunities in every neighbourhood, ensuring all children can enjoy enriching experiences close to home.

Judi Gasser, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “Play is where childhood happens. It’s how children learn, grow and discover who they are. As a parent and a Councillor, I’m really excited about everything planned across the next year.”

New splash park for The Leys in Witney

Witney Town Council appointed Ustigate Waterplay to refurbish the splash park at The Leys in Witney, with the project completed prior to the school holidays.

Following a water sequence, the water play requires a child to jump on the activation pad to re-start the flow. This procedure enhances the interactive experience as well as conserving water and electricity because the water play will only be in operation when a child is pushing the button to play.

Inclusive and accessible features include wheelchair friendly above ground features, fountains and ground sprays. There is also an area that allows water to temporarily pool with a weir for children to enjoy flow play. The water features and the rainbow themed surfacing were selected by Witney’s community during public consultation. It is also more environmentally friendly. It now uses less water and the water is captured after play, to irrigate plants and flowers in town.

The Preston location will be rebranded as Monkey Town

State of the Industry 2025 A de ning year for indoor play

The Association of Indoor Play’s fourth annual industry survey paints a sobering picture for the UK’s indoor play sector in 2025. Operators are facing tough trading conditions, shaped by rising costs and cautious consumer spending. Growth is hard to come by, and many businesses are feeling the pressure more than ever before.

The first half of the year brought unprecedented heatwaves which significantly reduced footfall across indoor venues. Spring and early summer saw record temperatures, driving families outdoors and leaving many operators struggling to cover their costs.

At the same time, staffing costs have soared, fuelled by increases to National Insurance and minimum wage rates. Staff now account for an average of 36 per cent of all revenue. Rents have climbed well above inflation, and energy bills are once again on the rise.

Smaller, independent venues have been hit hardest. With fewer resources and tighter margins, they are far more exposed to cashflow issues than larger, multi-site operators.

Yet, there are reasons for cautious optimism. Party bookings have remained resilient, with this revenue

stream now accounting for a third of income for many centres. Operators are adjusting, improving efficiencies, testing new ideas, and maintaining strong community links. Most importantly, 86 per cent of respondents expect to still be trading or even expanding in twelve months’ time.

Maria Cantarella, CEO of the Association of Indoor Play, said: “The resilience and ingenuity shown by our sector is nothing short of inspiring. Despite all the external pressures, operators are rolling up their sleeves and pushing forward. But we cannot ignore the cracks forming.

To explore the full 2025 State of the Industry report, visit www.associationofindoorplay.org DESPITE IT ALL, 86% OF OPERATORS EXPECT TO STILL BE TRADING OR EVEN EXPANDING NEXT YEAR – A TESTAMENT TO THE SECTOR’S RESILIENCE AND CREATIVITY

“Without meaningful support from government on VAT, business rates and staffing costs, we risk losing the very venues that bring joy, connection and wellbeing to families across the UK.”

The demand for indoor play has not disappeared. Families still seek shared experiences, and play remains a vital outlet for children’s development and parents’ sanity. With the right backing, the indoor play sector can continue to thrive as a cornerstone of the UK’s leisure landscape.

Reflections on the campaign for children’s right to play

Marguerite Hunter Blair CEO, Play Scotland

Itravelled from Straiton in Ayrshire to Straiton in Midlothian to join Play Scotland in January 2006, and because of the distance from home to work I had negotiated an unusual form of blended working. Looking back now, 2006 was a year of seismic changes that would shape the future of how we now live, work, play and communicate. Social media platforms, user-friendly browsers on the internet and increased accessibility, all were set to create a new way of working and communicating, online.

This way of connecting was a game changer for a small national organisation like Play Scotland, aiming to promote children’s right to play from Shetland to the Rhins of Galloway. We were able to harness the positive power of social media to raise awareness of the importance of play in children’s development.

This model of campaigning helped us to build relationships with new partners, politicians and the people of Scotland. The conventional media also played a significant role in carrying our messaging and reporting alarming stories about the significant contraction in children’s freedom to explore and play outdoors, and society’s move towards a risk averse ‘cotton wool culture’ which removed children’s power and ability to make choices for themselves.

We launched the Scottish Play Commission in 2007 to kick start a national conversation about

the state of play and how best to respond as a country to the demise of play opportunities and the impact this was having on children’s health and wellbeing. At the launch of the findings in the Scottish Parliament the Minister for Children and Young People, Adam Ingram MSP, announced a £4m fund to help build the play sector. This was a fantastic breakthrough, but it was also clear from the evidence that we needed a national Play Strategy and a holistic approach to good planning for play.

With a significant membership and following on social media, Play Scotland launched an online petition in 2012 calling for a statutory duty for children’s right to play. This received significant support, and as a result we were asked to provide written and oral evidence to the Petitions Committee at Holyrood. The Minister for Children and Young People, Aileen Campbell MSP, subsequently agreed to a national Play Strategy which she launched in 2013.

With a growing staff team, we moved office into Edinburgh and launched the Inclusive Play Charter in 2016 calling for Play Champions. The Play Charter was welcomed by Ruth Maguire MSP with a Motion and Debate in the Scottish Parliament, where there was clear cross-party support for policy change, children’s involvement in planning for play and more inclusive play provision.

The review of the Planning Act in 2017 presented a perfect opportunity for us to make progress in

Social media was a game changer for a small national organisation like Play Scotland, helping us raise awareness of children’s right to play

Children told us they had missed their friends, fun, family and freedom to play

our long running campaign for a statutory duty for play, and we achieved this in the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019, which includes a legal duty for Play Sufficiency and Children’s Participation in Planning.

After working on another long running campaign led by Together (an alliance of Scottish children’s charities) the children’s right to play was enshrined in law by the UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024. This ensures that the legal right of every child to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities is considered and respected by all public bodies in Scotland. They also must engage with children and young people when creating policies affecting them, including public and play spaces.

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted us all at Play Scotland as we worked tirelessly to make the case for children’s play and highlight the negative impact of restrictions on children’s wellbeing, including their mental health. As a result, Scotland was the first in the UK to reopen its playgrounds. In a consultation carried out by the staff team for the Scottish Government, children told us they had missed their friends, fun, family and freedom to play. Children wanted more play and better play opportunities.

This heartfelt response helped make the case for the Get into Summer play programme funded by the Scottish Government and led to the review of the national Play Strategy. In May 2021 the Government launched the Play Park Renewal Fund of £60m to upgrade children’s play parks all over Scotland. In March, the First Minister John Swinney and Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes launched the new Play Vision Statement and Action Plan 2025-2030 and ear marked the remaining £25m of the Play Park Fund for Inclusive Play. It was a proud moment for me as the Chair of the review group and for Jenny Lester in our team as she explained to them how she had co-created the children’s version and posters with school children and a graphic artist. We’ve now changed the focus of our work to the implementation of the legal framework and policies for play in Scotland. We deliver a range of innovative projects, training and events for families, schools and communities. Play Scotland still has an office in Edinburgh, but Covid accelerated many of the changes that had been taking shape since 2006. A blended form of working is the new norm. I wonder what the next seismic changes will bring!

The children’s right to play was enshrined in law by the UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024

School’s Out for Summer - Time to Play!

Angela Stallard Director of Service Delivery & Development, PlayBoard NI

Schools have closed for summer, allowing children in Northern Ireland two whole months of freedom and opportunity to play.

For many families, the school holidays provide a chance for children to escape screens and structured learning, giving them the freedom to reconnect with nature, engage with their community, and of course to enjoy play! But opportunities to do so are often determined by geography, income, and local infrastructure. In towns, cities, and rural areas alike, access to safe, well-maintained outdoor spaces remains a mixed picture across Northern Ireland. While some communities benefit from vibrant play parks, forest trails, and greenways, others are left with broken equipment, neglected green spaces, or simply nowhere nearby to let children run free safely.

Every child deserves a safe and inspiring place to play

The benefits of being outdoors are welldocumented; physical activity, improved mental health, social skills, and a sense of community all stem from access to quality play environments. Play and outdoor spaces are essential infrastructure. As we face ongoing public health and environmental challenges, making time to play is one of the simplest, most effective investments that we can make in our children’s future.

The NI Children and Young People’s Strategy 2020–2030 commits to providing safe and accessible play spaces for every child. Similarly, Planning Policy Statement 8 and the SPPS (Strategic Planning Policy Statement) acknowledge open space as a core component of sustainable development. Yet implementation remains inconsistent.

Encouragingly, there are signs of progress. Many councils across Northern Ireland have begun investing in play strategies, with new inclusive playgrounds opening in several districts, creative use of green spaces, and community-based unstructured play. But progress is inconsistent. Maintenance budgets are often limited. Public transport links to rural and district parks

are sometimes inadequate and children with disabilities still face significant barriers to play. Despite longstanding recognition of the value of play, Northern Ireland’s policy framework currently lacks any statutory commitment to Play Sufficiency. With increasing pressures on land use and housing, this oversight puts children’s wellbeing and development at risk, particularly in areas of deprivation where play spaces are most needed. A coordinated, cross-departmental approach is essential - one that links health, education, planning, and community development. Therefore, joined-up thinking and a strategic, crossdepartmental approach that puts children at the centre is crucial. This approach would include:

● Embedding play access into local development plans and housing strategies.

● Encouragement of street play within neighbourhoods.

● Supporting inclusive design and infrastructure, especially for children with disabilities.

● Prioritising safe walking and cycling routes to parks and green spaces.

● Enabling schools to open their outdoor facilities for community use during holidays.

● Funding community-led initiatives to reclaim community-based play.

The child’s right to play needs to be recognised and prioritised at a policy level. The development of a Northern Ireland Play Strategy could transform the landscape for play for Northern Ireland’s children. Every child deserves a safe and inspiring place to play – not just in summer, but all year round.

sutcliffeplay.co.uk

SutcliffePlay

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Moving More, Living Better

HOW JUNIOR PARS IS HELPING MANCHESTER KIDS THRIVE

Anational company specialising in weight management, MoreLife, runs a 10-week Junior Physical Activity Referral Service (PARS) in Manchester. The service, commissioned by Population Health at Manchester City Council, supports children and young people aged 5-17 years old who are above a healthy weight and not engaging in physical activity.

“Our Children’s Healthy Lifestyle Practitioners connect families to fun, budget-friendly activities in their local area,” says MoreLife’s contract manager for the Greater Manchester and Sheffield services, Rebecca Hellyer. “We also offer Tier 2 children and family weight management services, signposting people towards local offerings that can help improve their health and wellbeing.”

Born out of Leeds Beckett University in 1999 (as Carnegie Weight Management) MoreLife was founded by Professor Paul Gately, a visiting Professor at Leeds Beckett University and one of the UK’s most respected experts in obesity and exercise. MoreLife’s initial focus was tackling obesity in children. Services have now expanded to adults, young people and families.

“As we continue to evolve and branch out our lifestyle-related support services, the challenge has been proving how successful our services really are, to help us build relationships with stakeholders and identify gaps in our provision,” says Hellyer. “In the Manchester City Locality, we use ReferAll to manage our Junior PARS – I think it’s one of the most userfriendly databases for administration I have ever worked with. We use ReferAll’s software to monitor

Rebecca Hellyer

We connect families to fun, budget friendly activities in their local area

attendance of children who come through the service, their weight pre- and post-attendance and other metrics such as demographics and age, questionnaire responses or biometric data. This allows me to evaluate their progress as well as to report the overall success of the service.”

For Hellyer, the stand-out benefit is the ability to export data – both for quick reporting and more in-depth exports. “Whenever I need to, I can access a flash overview of a moment in time. This means I can be on top of the efficacy of service we’re offering and see a snapshot of how we’re working,” says Hellyer. “The more in-depth data export is invaluable for reporting on KPIs and evidencing our success to commissioners. I can get a rundown of every person’s scores before they enter our service and again once they’ve completed it.

“There’s a big story to tell from the numbers. It’s my job to forge strong partnerships with commissioning teams, service departments and cross-functional units within the organisation to champion the seamless delivery of exceptional services. Having clear numbers and a compelling story from a client who has seen positive

To date, MoreLife has had 1,172 referrals to the service with 69 children and young people actively participating. In Q3 2024, Hellyer’s team received 91 referrals with a current uptake of 57% into service.

55% of clients report that they feel better about themselves

63% have more energy

33% made friends

77% made healthier food choices

70% made healthier drinks choices

55% feel fitter

66% have more confidence in their abilities

33% are sleeping better

change helps me to share an honest insight of what’s happening within our service with commissioners. Without access to that data, reporting would be very difficult, especially with the volume of clients we see each year.”

RESTORING PLAY

The nal report of the Raising the Nation Play Commission was published in June. PlayNation spoke to industry leaders for their views on the report, which outlines measures designed to restore play into every childhood

The Raising the Nation Play Commission published its final report in June, following a yearlong inquiry into play and childhood in England. The report calls on the government to create a cross-departmental National Play Strategy and put in place a statutory “play sufficiency duty” for local authorities.

Called Everything to Play For: A Plan to Ensure Every Child in England Can Play, the report warns that cuts to clubs and playgrounds, busier roads and increased fears among parents and children about safety, have left children with fewer safe places to play. As a result, children’s independence to play outside has shrunk dramatically over the last 30 years, impacting on their health and happiness and increasing screen time.

Outdoor play has declined by 50% in a generation, and children travel shorter and shorter

distances independently. New polling commissioned by the inquiry shows over half of parents (55%) believe their youngest child plays outside less than they did when they were children.

The report says that to tackle the decline in play, there is a need to establish a National Play Strategy, which should include a commitment to new investment in play that is part-funded by the sugar tax. The strategy should also feature plans for a Minister for Play, a ban on ‘No Ball Games’ signs, raising the digital age of consent to 16, restoring play to our education system including banning phones during the school day and a statutory Play Sufficiency Duty for local authorities.

Play should also be central to the Government’s strategies for boosting opportunity and growth, tackling the crisis in children’s physical and mental health. Among its main recommendations is the creation of a new, cross-departmental National Play Strategy for England with a 10 year vision, led by a Minister with

responsibility for Play. This should be backed by an annual budget of £125 million to the end of this parliament, part-funded by measures including the Soft Drinks Industry Levy and unspent funds currently held by councils and collected from developers to mitigate the impact of new developments.

There is also a call for developing child-friendly neighbourhoods as part of reviving a culture which embraces play and childhood independence. This, the report says, would also give parents the confidence to “allow their children to play again”.

The Raising the Nation Play Commission was launched in June 2024 and is chaired by entrepreneur and campaigner Paul Lindley OBE – founder of Ella’s Kitchen, the UK’s biggest baby food business. It has worked in partnership with former Children’s Commissioner Baroness Anne Longfield’s Centre for Young Lives think tank and has been advised by a panel of leading experts.

We asked industry leaders for their views on the report...

Tom Hayes

Member of Parliament for Bournemouth East

Whether I’m meeting parents, teachers, or young people in Bournemouth, the message is clear when I mention play: children need more time and space to do it. This report makes a compelling, evidence-based case for action, with the kind of solutions we can get behind at both national and local levels.

I’ve been working alongside experts like Play England to put play back on Parliament’s agenda. We’ve taken the issue to the Commons, to No. 10, and even turned the Palace of Westminster into the ‘House of Play’. We’ve secured assurances from ministers that they’ll work with me on embedding play in planning and national policy. Thanks to this report, our mandate to keep pushing has got even stronger.

Richard Shaw CEO

Sports and Play Construction Association

The Play Commission report not only lays out clearly why play is critical to the wellbeing of children, it also rightly highlights the worrying trend in playground closures and a lack of money for public play facilities. I say trend – the decline in the investment in play is nothing new. Play has been neglected by both successive governments and local authorities for nearly two decades.

It is also great to see the report underline the important relationship between play and community. Having spaces to play can help enable connections and enhance social cohesion. It can bring communities together and instigate community conversations. The erosion of play spaces, which has taken place over the past few decades, can be reversed. Children deserve safe, inclusive and engaging spaces in which they can play, learn and explore.

The report lays out a strong case why there must be sufficient time built into the curriculum to allow children the time to play and to socialise. Schools are at the centre of children’s lives and it is where great habits – such as physical activity and play – can be learnt. Play that’s embedded into teaching has been proven to stimulate brain capacity, improve social and emotional skills and boost concentration levels. However, there should be opportunities for children to play in a meaningful way wherever – and whenever – possible. Not just at school. Play is a crucial component of every child’s development. All children and young people should have access to free, high quality, local opportunities for play.

The report comes at an opportune time for the sector, as there is now real momentum behind pushing play up the political agenda. Play England recently published its new 10-year strategy and, in Tom Hayes MP, we have an engaged champion in Westminster. For play spaces to be safe, inclusive and attractive, they need to be designed, built and maintained to a high standard. This is where SAPCA and its members play a huge role, because only companies that have demonstrated a proven track record and trading history can become SAPCA members. By working with SAPCA member companies, those developing play spaces can be safe in the knowledge that they are trusting their projects to specialist contractors with the necessary expertise and experience to deliver to the highest industry standards.

Eugene Minogue

Executive Director

Play England

The report sets out a compelling and urgent case for placing play back at the heart of public policy – and childhood itself. This is not just another policy report – it is a call to arms, and a moment of reckoning for a country that has increasingly sidelined its children’s need to play.

The report doesn’t just diagnose the problem –it offers a practical, evidence-informed roadmap for systemic recovery. It proposes a new, crossdepartmental National Play Strategy, led by a Minister for Play and backed by a £125 million annual investment fund, sourced through mechanisms such as the sugar levy and unspent developer contributions. It puts forward bold measures to address the digital displacement of play – including banning smartphones in schools, raising the digital age of consent to 16, and regulating addictive app features targeted at children.

The report also calls for a national ban on ‘No Ball Games’ signs, the restoration of play within the school day, and planning reforms to make play an expected and essential feature of every neighbourhood. This is a joined-up framework to embed play as a public good – not a policy afterthought.

At Play England, we fully support the report and its recommendations, which echo the core proposals we set out in our 2024 manifesto – a new National Play Strategy for England, a statutory Play Sufficiency duty for local authorities and a £125 million annual investment in play.

These are not abstract demands. They are practical, evidence-based measures that would give every child the time, space, freedom, and opportunity to play – and help reverse rising childhood inactivity, poor mental health, school disengagement, and social isolation.

Together, the report and our own It All Starts with Play! strategy offer a clear and credible route map: from fragmented and underfunded provision to a coherent national system that protects, promotes, and plans for play — in law, in policy, and in everyday life. The report marks a historic opportunity. For the first time in over 17 years, there is broad, cross-sector consensus that play must be prioritised in national policy — not as a ‘nice to have’, but as a cornerstone of healthy childhoods, thriving communities, and a fairer society.

The message is clear: play is not a luxury. It is essential to learning, wellbeing, development and belonging — and must be treated as such in the decisions that shape children’s lives.

We urge the Government to act on the recommendations — and to do so without delay.

Dr. Amanda Gummer CEO FUNdamentally Children

The Raising the Nation Play Commission Report is a strategic win for play. It lays out a bold and evidence-based blueprint for embedding play at the heart of national policy.

Without space, time and freedom to play, children’s health is at risk

At FUNdamentally Children, we’ve always advocated for play as more than just fun – it’s foundational to children’s physical, emotional, social and cognitive development. The Commission’s findings strongly echo our core beliefs and validate the work we’ve been doing for years.

Among the headline findings were that outdoor play has halved in a generation, with fewer than 30% of children playing on their streets, while children aged 5–7 now get 45 minutes less breaktime per week than they did in 1995. These changes correlate with rising childhood obesity, anxiety and developmental challenges.

The report underscores that without space, time and freedom to play, children’s health and potential are at risk, and highlights the need for urgent cross-sector action.

Whether you’re a toy company, app developer, content creator or education supplier, the report opens important doors – and raises new expectations.

For example, developers of children’s apps and games should note that, while the report states that digital play is valid, there are concerns around screen time, addiction and displacing real-world play. This is why the report calls for regulation of digital design and clearer wellbeing standards. It also recommends that developers must prioritise child wellbeing and ethical design, such as restricting manipulative features and incentivise balanced use.

The report also highlights a need for more play-based learning, especially to meet the government’s 75% school readiness target by 2028. It’s clear that children still want realworld play, and parents want practical play ideas. That’s why the report calls for stories that model imaginative or social play are positively viewed.

For example, companies and organisations working in the field of educational products and services should look to provide products that blend learning with physical, emotional, and social development will be in demand. Schools and after-school providers will need training, tools and support to build confidence.

As national focus on play intensifies, businesses in the children’s sector have a unique opportunity – and responsibility – to respond. FUNdamentally Children is here to support them with insight-driven, evidence-based solutions.

Policy

What does the industry think?

Rob Speirs

MD

Sutcliffe Play

While shocking, the output of the report is not unexpected. Working in the industry as Sutcliffe Play does, we are all too aware that outdoor play is in steep decline, playtime in schools has shrunk, play infrastructure is deteriorating, children’s independence has plunged, and consequently, the health of our children is a cause for concern.

Yes, of course, Sutcliffe Play has an interest in the infrastructure for play generally but we all have or know children and we recognise the issues raised in this report and the impact it has on the children we know. What Sutcliffe Play does is only part of the solution, but we whole heartedly support all 10 of the report’s recommendations fundamentally making play a national priority in England bringing it in line with Scotland and Wales making play a statutory right for our children.

Michael Hoenigmann CEO Jupiter Play

In light of the findings of the report, at Jupiter Play we believe the play industry has a crucial role to play in transforming how children experience outdoor spaces. We urge the sector to raise the bar – to go beyond standard solutions and lead with creativity, sustainability, and inclusivity. This means embracing natural materials, prioritising landscape-led

design and delivering greater innovation that captures children’s imagination and keeps families engaged. Play spaces must make children of all ages and abilities feel welcomed, challenged and inspired – spaces that encourage longer dwell times and build community cohesion. By designing with intent and ambition, from a child’s perspective rather than an adults, the industry can help restore play to the heart of every childhood –and support healthier, happier futures for all.

Barry Leahey President Playdale

The Raising the Nation Play Commission report has come at a much-needed time, with plenty of opportunity to address many of the challenges our communities face. The changes in planning guidance, the long-term health

of our children, the burden on the NHS – for me, the report contains obvious answers to address the issues presented. We need a new National Play Strategy, supported by funding that will provide long-term, engaging and safe facilities that will more than pay for themselves several times over – complete with all the benefits a play area is proven to bring.

Rob Baker MD Proludic

At Proludic, we are all fully supportive of the report and the fantastic work being done by many individuals and organisations across the sector, in a bid to recognise the vital role that play can deliver on, for the developing child. With increasing pressures on children, screen distractions and growing concerns over the decline in the physical and mental wellbeing of the next generation, it is fantastic that this report is tackling the problem head on. As a nation, it would be fantastic

for everyone to get behind a campaign aimed to provide good quality and fun play opportunities for children, to not only enjoy but to learn and develop from, setting them up for the rest of their lives. We fully support the call for a National Play Strategy and it is fantastic that there is an aspiration across a plethora of organisations, calling for a significant political contribution, to provide high quality and inclusive play spaces as part of the solution to improving play opportunities.

All children have the right to play & to be outside, in safe, well-designed & inspiring environments.

Outdoor play in schools and the in provision widening gaps

A new report on outdoor play, commissioned by API, shows that while schools are investing in play, the type of equipment and opportunities vary hugely from one playground to the other

Anew report from The Education Company, commissioned by the Association of Play Industries (API), reveals how outdoor play is currently prioritised in primary schools across England. The State of Outdoor Play in Primary Schools uncovers a sector where usage of outdoor play spaces is high, but investment in play provision is often inadequate, particularly beyond the Early Years.

“Outdoor play isn’t a luxury,” says Dr Amanda Gummer, Chair of the API. “It’s an essential component of child development. It supports physical health, mental wellbeing, learning outcomes and social connection. Schools are telling us they want to do more - they understand the clear benefits - but they need support, funding and guidance to make their outdoor ambitions a reality.”

From EYFS to KS2: A Steep Decline in Provision

The survey found a sharp drop-off in outdoor play quality and frequency as children move through primary school. While 78% of Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) settings use outdoor areas throughout the day, only 16% of Key Stage 2 (KS2) classes do the same. Similarly, play-based outdoor learning is nearly universal in EYFS (98%), but falls to just 10% in KS2.

“This decline isn’t because outdoor learning becomes less important as children get older,”

Dr Gummer explains. “It’s because we haven’t built it into the structure and expectations of older year groups. That needs to change.”

Only 8% of respondents in primary settings rated their outdoor play areas as “excellent”, compared to 33% of EYFS professionals. One in five schools rated their KS2 outdoor space as poor or very poor.

Safety and Cost

When it comes to equipment, safety concerns and affordability tend to guide choices. Playground markings and mud kitchens were the most common features in school play spaces. But higher-risk equipment, such as swings, was found in fewer than 1 in 10 schools.

“Children need challenge and variety to fully benefit from outdoor play,” Dr Gummer says. “Over-sanitising playgrounds in the name of safety actually increases risk by depriving children of essential learning.”

Most schools (65%) spent under £10,000 on outdoor play in the last three years, and nearly half say they are unlikely to invest more than £10,000 in the next two to three years. Tight budgets are a key barrier, as are space constraints, staffing levels and competing school priorities.

Perhaps most concerning is the persistent lack of inclusive provision. 70% of schools surveyed said they don’t have specialist equipment for children with disabilities or additional needs. Only 36% considered inclusivity when making purchasing decisions.

“We’re still seeing far too many children excluded from play because the space simply doesn’t meet their needs,” says Dr Gummer. The report also notes that schools in rural areas and those rated Outstanding were significantly more likely to have high-quality, inclusive outdoor spaces, pointing to a postcode lottery in play provision.

Committed to Outdoor Play

Despite the challenges, school leaders remain committed to outdoor play and learning. Many are making creative use of the space and equipment they have, and the top development priorities identified by schools are to maintain current equipment, invest in inclusive and multifunctional play resources, and weatherproof outdoor areas for year-round use.

Over-sanitising playgrounds

in the name of safety actually increases risk

A Call to Action

The API is urging schools to conduct annual reviews of their outdoor provision and integrate outdoor learning into the curriculum beyond EYFS. The association also recommends prioritising inclusive equipment in funding applications and PTA initiatives.

“Outdoor play should be protected and funded at every stage of a child’s school journey,” adds Dr Gummer. “If we’re serious about improving physical health, mental wellbeing and educational outcomes, we need to take play seriously.”

● For further information about the Association of Play Industries visit: https://www.api-play.org/

THEY

PLAY

& builders of beautiful sports courts.

UNPREPARED CHILDHOODS

Some children are starting reception school “unable to climb a staircase”, while others use Americanisms in their speech because of too much screen time

For the past five years, childhood development charity, Kindred², has conducted an annual survey of thousands of teachers and parents to source evidence of the proportion of children that are considered ‘school ready’. The data is then compared to the perceptions of parents.

Lacking basic skills

Kindred²’s latest annual school readiness report was conducted using focus groups and surveyed more than 1,000 teachers and 1,000 parents of Reception children across England and Wales in the September 2024 Reception cohort. The results highlight the scale of the school readiness challenge.

According to the report, teachers report that more than a third (36%) of children struggle to play with other children, while a similar proportion (34%) don’t know how to listen or respond to simple instruction and one in four (25%) are not toilet trained.

Worryingly, the report shows that children are becoming increasingly sedentary and lacking elementary physical skills. Among the comments from teachers included in the report is one from a deputy headteacher in the North

West of England: “We’ve had a lot of delayed walkers. Their movements are quite clumsy, dropping things, unable to climb a staircase.”

Another comment, from a reception teacher, reads: “I’ve got 2 children [in my class] who physically cannot sit on the carpet. They don’t have core strength. And when I went to visit one of the girls in July, she’d never been to a nursery, she’d been sat in a corner sofa on an iPad so she hasn’t developed her core strength and it’s really affecting her whole development.”

Perception vs. reality

She’d never been to a nursery, she’d been sat in a corner sofa on an iPad so she hasn’t developed her core strength

There is a huge gap between parent and teacher perceptions of how ready children are for school. Nearly all (90%) parents believe their child is ready for school. However, teachers report that a third (33%) of children who started Reception in 2024 were not school ready. This is the same number who fail to achieve a Good Level of Development each year, indicating that the

Reception year is not closing the development gap.

This mirrors the report’s findings of almost half (49%) of teachers saying that the level of school readiness is worse than the previous year, while a further third (33%) say the situation is about the same. Only 18% think the school readiness is improving.

When asked for their views on why they think children aren’t ready, more than half (54%) said it is because parents are spending more time on electronic devices than with children – in other words, they are not playing with their own children.

One of the Reception teachers surveyed for the report said: “When it’s home time, you just see parents on their phone. They are just not interested. The amount of times I’ve seen children so happy and excited wanting to tell their mum and dad, ‘Look what I’ve made!’ They’re just not interested and it just makes you feel so sad for the child.”

Lack of opportunities

The fact that more than a third of children struggle to play with other children is directly related to the way opportunities for play – both at school and away from school – have been reduced in the UK over the past three decades. Data from another report – by the Raising the Nation Play Commission – shows that time spent playing outdoors has declined by 50% in a generation and fewer than three in ten children say that they play out on the street.

As the annual park budgets for England fell by more than £350 million between 2011-23, a lack of investment has also lead to the loss of hundred – possibly thousands – of playgrounds. At least 400 playgrounds closed across England alone between 2012-22, leading led to a situation where more than two million children in England up to age 9 no longer live within a 10-minute walk of a playground.

The School Readiness Report was compiled by Savanta on behalf of Kindred². To download the full report, visit: www.kindredsquared.org.uk

PLAY for all ages

PlayNation looks at products and solutions designed for older children and teenagers

Activating Public Spaces with Kore

Kore, developed by SAPCA member, Jupiter Play & Leisure, has been created to transform teenage play provision and multi-use games areas (MUGAs) through adaptable, user-centred design. As a modular system, Kore grants the ability to reimagine a space over time and easily integrates into existing environments.

At its heart is the Kore Konnex consultation process –putting the power of design in the hands of the end users. Engaging with the community, residents are given a blank grid and a series of tiles that represent different play kits or features. From chillout zones and parkour units to the interactive Fono DJ booth, participants select and arrange their ideal combination of kits to design their dream play space.

The hands-on approach has been designed to empower individuals to express their preferences and to facilitate an inclusive dialogue about the needs and desires of the broader community. Every choice made by participants is recorded and quantified, offering valuable insights into the interests of the end users to shape the design. The result is a play space for the community, designed by the community.

Sutcliffe installs Pentagon multiplay product

Sutcliffe Play has installed its first new Pentagon multiplay range in Upton Play Area in West Yorkshire. Radius – one of four units in the range – has already proven a big hit with young visitors and given a boost to the playground. Intended for children aged six to 14, Pentagon’s five-sided towers come in many configurations, with each delivering play opportunities at ground level, 1.6m, and 2.4m high.

Standard features across all four towers include a crevasse ladder, a circuit climber, a scramble rope climber and more, while a number of individual features make each one unique. All units in the range feature a compact design which minimises their overall footprint, and reduces the amount of safety surfacing required. Each is also constructed from curved powder coated posts, galvanised steel support frames and HDPE panels, making them durable in nature and sustainable in origin. Each Pentagon unit is available in lime and forest green and grey and enhanced with vivid orange accent detailing.

Kompan’s Galaxy lets tweens and teens have fun too!

The impressive Galaxy range from Kompan fills the gap for older children to hang, climb and have fun with friends safely.

Not that long ago, tweens, let alone teenagers, viewed a playground as a place for their younger siblings rather than for their own enjoyment – and perhaps with good reason. It wasn’t that there was just a

gap in the market, there was a crying cultural need. No one really offered fun and exciting playgrounds for teens and tweens, they were, too often, left to their own devices.

To satisfy the need required a rethink, not a remodeling of well-trodden play techniques. The Galaxy looks like nothing that preceded it. It was a game changer, a free play structure offering built-in activities that are responsive and dynamic, and the first to give play access to everyone regardless of ability.

Tough Trail – Keeping Teens Engaged in Play

In spring 2025, eibe Play completed the installation of the Rockmaster Tough Trail unit at KC Active, a sports and recreation facility in Kings Cliffe, Peterborough. The dynamic new addition forms part of KC Active’s ongoing mission to improve play access for local children.

Designed with challenge, adventure and inclusivity in mind, the Tough Trail has become popular for visitors of all ages. The Tough Trail range comprises a collection of engaging play units, targeting the teenage age group. Inspired by the thrill of ninja warrior, parkour, free running and obstacle trails, they bring together climbing, balancing, crawling and coordination challenges in one continuous circuit. The layouts are modular, combining ropes, overhead ladders, angled climbing walls, monkey bars, traverse nets and jumping elements. Targeted at children aged 10+, Tough Trail supports both independent and social play. The courses are deliberately non-linear and unprescribed, meaning children can set their own pace and pathways.

A whale of a time for visitors of all ages

The newly revitalised Water Adventure Play Park in Weston-Super-Mare has been transformed into a vibrant, seaside-themed destination that celebrates the town’s coastal charm. Located just off the promenade, the site faced environmental and logistical challenges, including deteriorating timber equipment, poor drainage and the need to work around underground flood defences. Proludic was selected for its expertise in coastal environments and durable, innovative play solutions. Using robust materials like high-pressure laminate and structural steel - supported by lifetime guarantees - the new park was designed to endure salty air and high footfall while offering an exciting, inclusive play experience for children of all ages.

The centrepiece is the impressive 10.42 metrelong J2696 Whale from Proludic’s Aquatica range. This large-scale play structure accommodates up to 70 users and includes 59 play functions such as net climbs, slides, hammocks, and swings. Nearby stands

the 6.9-metre-high J47251 Lighthouse, featuring a spiral staircase, fire pole, and panoramic views.

A dedicated toddler zone features sensoryrich, developmentally supportive play with the J2646-M Odyssey, J2615 Little Boat, and inclusive J2406 WOK Spinner. A sensory pathway with seven tactile surfaces connects themed zones, while “play on the way” elements like sound panels and balance boards engage older children.

Accessibility is central to the design. The park features wide paths, inclusive swing seats, accessible surfacing, and communication panels for non-verbal users. Strategically placed seating and shade structures allow families to relax while supervising their children.

Despite the complexity of the site, careful planning ensured a layout that is safe, inclusive, and fun. The result is a dynamic coastal play destination where families of all ages and abilities can explore, play, and truly have a whale of a time - now and for years to come.

Places

Elevated play for teens and older children

As children grow, so does their appetite for adventure and challenge. To cater for that, Wicksteed has launched the Adrenaline and Vertex ranges, specifically designed to captivate older children and teens through active, engaging, and inclusive play.

The Adrenaline Range features 12 dynamic steel and rope multiplay units ranging from 2 to 4 metres high – ideal for thrill-seeking children aged six and up. Packed with exciting features like climbing walls, twisted nets, 3D nets, spinners, and curved bannister slides, these units push

Sculptural play in motion

Russell Play has launched the new Twist 0.2 – a contemporary and playful piece of equipment where form meets function in a striking 7.2m-long spiral climbing frame. Designed to captivate both visually and physically, the sculptural structure encourages children and young people to move, balance, climb and connect in creative ways.

physical boundaries while fostering confidence, coordination, and healthy competition.

Complementing this is our Vertex Range – a collection of 17 bold and diverse boulders that blend physical activity with mental agility. With varying shapes, heights, and colour-coded climbing routes, Vertex is a natural draw for teens who crave real climbing challenges. From easier routes with close grips to advanced surfaces that demand strength and strategy, every boulder encourages progress and perseverance.

Designed for parks, playgrounds, or open spaces, both ranges deliver high-impact fun that keeps older children engaged and active.

Crafted with a durable combination of stainless steel, powder-coated aluminium, and steel core rope, the Twist 0.2 is built to withstand years of active play in even the busiest parks and public spaces. Nets are suspended seamlessly between each curve, creating flowing routes that invite imaginative movement and physical challenge.

As part of Russell Play’s landscape-led design philosophy, the Twist 0.2 doesn’t just offer a playground feature – it becomes part of the environment. Whether installed in a natural parkland or a modern urban setting, its sculptural design brings a sense of place, purpose, and play. Suitable for a range of ages and abilities, this is a piece that adapts to the way children play – not the other way around.

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