Sport England chair Chris Boardman has announced details of a new multi-million-pound fund to help create the 'greenest sports sector in the world'.
Community sports clubs and physical activity groups looking to become more environmentally friendly and sustainable are being encouraged to apply to the Movement Fund.
The updated eligibility guidance confirms up to £16 million, 10% of the £160 million available via the fund, will be reserved for green sports initiatives that help the sector respond to the impact of climate change.
Speaking at the BASIS annual conference, Chris is expected to say: "Today’s announcement 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.
"There are two big reasons why our sector must lead the way. First, extreme weather and environmental pollution – whether that’s to our pitches, courts or waterways – is having a devastating impact on physical activity levels. It’s damaging our nation’s health and productivity.
"Second, sport has a unique global megaphone and influence on wider society. By leading the way and advocating for change, we can inspire wider society to act."
The financial commitment comes as research illustrates this "devastating impact" that climate change is having on our ability to play sport and be active.
More than half of players have had activity cancelled in the past year as a result of extreme weather, while women and those on lower incomes are worst impacted and doing less activity as a consequence.
Sport and physical activity organisations can bid for between £300 and £15,000 from the Movement Fund to promote environmental sustainability.
The guide provides examples of projects that might be successful, including reducing energy use through solar panels and electric batteries; reducing waste and single-use plastics; and measures to improve resilience and risk of flooding of sports pitches.
In addition, Sport England expects to announce a partnership with BASIS to provide enhanced training, tools and support to partners who need it.
BASIS are a trusted industry leader who already deliver support to sports organisations, leading the charge on environmental sustainability.
The investment into BASIS would offer all Sport England’s partners, irrespective of size, resources and maturity to build their capability and quickly start taking positive action to make their sport more sustainable.
