Leeds to Receive Share of £250 Million Sports Funding

New investment aims to reduce inequalities in physical activity

Leeds has been selected as one of 27 locations across England to benefit from a portion of a £250 million funding package from Sport England. The funding is intended to address disparities in physical activity levels and support community-led initiatives to promote healthier lifestyles.

Funding to support community-driven projects

The investment will be used in Leeds to collaborate directly with local residents, developing projects tailored to the specific needs of communities. These initiatives aim to build capacity and create environments that encourage sustained physical activity, particularly in areas where inactivity rates are highest.

Physical inactivity and health inequalities in Leeds

• Approximately 25% of adults in Leeds engage in less than 30 minutes of physical activity per week.
• Inactivity rates in the most deprived areas of Leeds are nearly twice those in the most affluent communities.
• Reducing these disparities is a key objective within the Leeds Ambitions programme, launched in 2025, which seeks to promote fairness and improve health outcomes across the city.

Local government and Sport England statements

Councillor Salma Arif, deputy leader of Leeds City Council and executive member for economy, highlighted the council’s commitment to tackling poverty and inequality through encouraging physical activity. She noted the importance of supporting community-led projects to foster active and inclusive environments.

Lisa Dodd-Mayne, Executive Director of Partnerships and Place at Sport England, emphasised the organisation’s focus on place-based partnerships. She stated that working with local leaders and organisations is central to breaking down barriers to activity and ensuring equitable access to sport and movement opportunities.

Health and economic benefits of increased activity

Research cited by Sport England indicates that active lifestyles contribute to an estimated £8 billion annual saving for the healthcare system by preventing illnesses. Physical activity helps reduce the incidence of chronic conditions, including:

• Depression (1.3 million cases prevented annually)
• Back pain (900,000 cases prevented annually)
• Type 2 diabetes (700,000 cases prevented annually)

These health benefits help alleviate pressure on the NHS and improve overall community wellbeing.

About Sport England

Sport England is a public body that invests National Lottery and government funds to support projects encouraging physical activity and sport participation across England. Its 10-year strategy, Uniting the Movement, prioritises reducing inequalities by focusing on groups and areas with low activity levels.

For further information, contact Leeds City Council Communications team at communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk.