Game On: Community and school sport

Culture, Media and Sport Committee Open Inquiry
Opened: 28 Nov 2024 Parliament page
The Culture, Media and Sport Committee is to examine the health of sport in local communities and schools and whether more can be done to sustain and grow sporting opportunities for all. The inquiry will look at the funding available for sport in the community, how volunteers can be better … Read more
28 Recommendations
21 Conclusions
1 Report
5 Oral sessions
4 Letters
5 Events
Activity timeline 15 events
20 Apr
2026
Report published
16 Jul
2025
Oral evidence
16 Jul
2025
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 15, Palace of Westminster
8 Jul
2025
Correspondence
1 Jul
2025
Correspondence
17 Jun
2025
Correspondence
17 Jun
2025
Correspondence
3 Jun
2025
Oral evidence
3 Jun
2025
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 15, Palace of Westminster
22 Apr
2025
Oral evidence
22 Apr
2025
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · The Wilson Room, Portcullis House
25 Mar
2025
Oral evidence
Oral evidence sessions 5 sessions
16 Jul 2025
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Adam Conant · Department for Culture, Media and Sport Catherine McKinnell MP · Department for Education Matthew Hopkinson · Department for Education Stephanie Peacock MP · Department for Culture, Media and Sport
3 Jun 2025
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Councillor Peter Mason · Local Government Association Huw Edwards · UKactive Robert Sullivan · Football Foundation Tim Hollingsworth OBE · Sport England
22 Apr 2025
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Jon Cockcroft · Bowls England Jordan Letts · Northampton Saints Foundation Kate Stephens · Chance to Shine Paige Cronje · SportCheer England Scott Lloyd · Lawn Tennis Association Stewart Kellett · Basketball England
25 Mar 2025
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Andy Taylor · Active Partnerships Anna Scott-Marshall · ParalympicsGB Emily Robinson · London Sport Lisa Wainwright MBE · Sport and Recreation Alliance Mark Lawrie · StreetGames Sarah Kaye · Sported Stephanie Hilborne OBE · Women in Sport
25 Feb 2025
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Ali Oliver MBE · Youth Sport Trust Alistair Patrick-Heselton Anna Hopkin MBE Montell Douglas
Title HC No. Published Items Response
4th Report - Game On: Community and school sport HC 593 20 Apr 2026 49 Pending
Recommendations & Conclusions
49 results
1 Conclusion
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
The evidence shows that funding community sport and physical activity is an investment with high...
The evidence shows that funding community sport and physical activity is an investment with high returns, including savings on healthcare costs, productivity gains, and wider wellbeing benefits. The consequences of under‑investment are costly. Ageing infrastructure, higher operating costs, and reduced … Read more
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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2 Recommendation
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
We recognise the pressures on the public finances.
We recognise the pressures on the public finances. Investing in sport, however, by creating a more active population, will eventually lead to significant savings, particularly in the health and welfare budgets. We recommend that the Government increase the 0.3% (£3.8 … Read more
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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3 Conclusion
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
The Government has a role to play in attracting investment into sport from other sources.
The Government has a role to play in attracting investment into sport from other sources. It is important that public funding is used strategically to unlock additional investment, including private finance, pension funds, and innovative mechanisms such as crowdfunding and … Read more
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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4 Recommendation
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
We recommend that the Government play a more proactive role in convening and enabling alternative...
We recommend that the Government play a more proactive role in convening and enabling alternative sources of investment in grassroots sport and physical activity. This should include supporting models that leverage private and institutional finance, encouraging greater alignment between corporate … Read more
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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5 Conclusion
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
Funding application processes can be complex and difficult to navigate, particularly for volunteer‑run grassroots organisations...
Funding application processes can be complex and difficult to navigate, particularly for volunteer‑run grassroots organisations with limited capacity and expertise. Lengthy, technical applications and fragmented funding routes act as barriers to access, despite recent efforts by Sport England to simplify … Read more
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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6 Recommendation
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
We recommend that the Government requires Sport England and other public funders to further simplify...
We recommend that the Government requires Sport England and other public funders to further simplify and standardise funding application processes to make them more accessible for grassroots organisations. This should include piloting alternative application formats such as video or interview‑based … Read more
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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7 Conclusion
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
There is a lack of transparency and accountability around current funding arrangements for PE and...
There is a lack of transparency and accountability around current funding arrangements for PE and school sport. While the PE and Sport Premium has provided valuable, ring‑fenced support for primary schools, inconsistent assessment, limited benchmarking and weak scrutiny by Ofsted … Read more
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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8 Recommendation
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
We recommend that the Government strengthen accountability for the PE and Sport Premium by introducing...
We recommend that the Government strengthen accountability for the PE and Sport Premium by introducing clearer national reporting requirements, consistent benchmarking and more robust scrutiny through Ofsted. As a first step, we invite the Government to set out, in its … Read more
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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9 Conclusion
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
We were concerned about reports that the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) had...
We were concerned about reports that the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) had sought to renege on commitments to provide funding for physical education. Given the importance of PE and sport to improving health outcomes, and the potential … Read more
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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10 Conclusion
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
We are concerned that gaps in understanding of England’s sports facility stock continue to hinder...
We are concerned that gaps in understanding of England’s sports facility stock continue to hinder effective planning and investment. While Sport England’s Active Places database provides a useful starting point, it does not offer a sufficiently complete or consistent picture … Read more
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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11 Recommendation
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
We recommend that within six months of this report being published the Government commission a...
We recommend that within six months of this report being published the Government commission a comprehensive national audit of sports and physical activity facilities, working with Sport England and sector partners. The Government should publish a timetable for the audit … Read more
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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12 Conclusion
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
Access to appropriate, safe, inclusive and affordable sports facilities is closely linked to participation.
Access to appropriate, safe, inclusive and affordable sports facilities is closely linked to participation. Yet while demand, particularly from women and girls, is rising, facility provision is declining due to closures, ageing infrastructure and uneven availability. Smaller sports, grassroots organisations … Read more
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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13 Recommendation
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
We recommend that a statutory duty be placed on local authorities to provide sporting and...
We recommend that a statutory duty be placed on local authorities to provide sporting and leisure facilities in their communities. We further recommend that, as part of the wider increase in spending on sport and recreation, the Government provide councils … Read more
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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14 Conclusion
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
Whilst at this stage it is not possible to evaluate the scale of the impact...
Whilst at this stage it is not possible to evaluate the scale of the impact of business rate changes on the grassroots sport sector as a whole, it is important that any negative effects on sports clubs and facilities are … Read more
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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15 Recommendation
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
We ask the Government to set out in its response to our report the measures...
We ask the Government to set out in its response to our report the measures it intends to take to relieve any adverse effects on sporting facilities from its recent business rate changes. We further recommend that the Government undertake … Read more
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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16 Conclusion
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
We are concerned about Sport England losing its function as a Statutory Planning Consultee.
We are concerned about Sport England losing its function as a Statutory Planning Consultee. Given the vital importance of playing fields to grassroots sport, Ministers in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport should be arguing strongly for the protection … Read more
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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17 Recommendation
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
We recommend that the Government retain Sport England as a Statutory Planning Consultee.
We recommend that the Government retain Sport England as a Statutory Planning Consultee. For its part, Sport England needs to redouble its efforts to turn its responses around swiftly. (Recommendation, Paragraph 52)
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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18 Recommendation
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
We recommend that any future planning reforms include a robust and enforceable mechanism to protect...
We recommend that any future planning reforms include a robust and enforceable mechanism to protect playing fields and sports facilities, safeguarding these vital community assets for future generations. (Recommendation, Paragraph 53)
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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19 Conclusion
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
We welcome the creative steps organisations have taken to develop innovative approaches to create new...
We welcome the creative steps organisations have taken to develop innovative approaches to create new spaces and facilities. (Conclusion, Paragraph 58)
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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20 Recommendation
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
We recommend that the Government legislate to require local authorities and housing associations to remove...
We recommend that the Government legislate to require local authorities and housing associations to remove unnecessary “No Ball Games” signs, to make public spaces more usable for children’s play. (Recommendation, Paragraph 59)
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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21 Conclusion
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
We heard mixed views about the merits of the Opening School Facilities Fund.
We heard mixed views about the merits of the Opening School Facilities Fund. We are concerned, however, that the closure of the fund, without a replacement, has left facilities underused despite clear demand from young people. (Conclusion, Paragraph 62) Read more
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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22 Recommendation
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
We recommend that the Government reinstate support for opening school sports facilities to communities, but...
We recommend that the Government reinstate support for opening school sports facilities to communities, but that it do so through a long‑term, place‑based funding model, learning lessons from the experience of the Opening School Facilities Fund. The new programme should … Read more
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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23 Conclusion
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
Physical education and daily movement are not being fully utilised in schools, leaving too many...
Physical education and daily movement are not being fully utilised in schools, leaving too many children, particularly the least active, without the health, wellbeing and learning benefits that regular activity provides. Curriculum time for PE has declined, its non‑core status … Read more
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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24 Recommendation
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
We recommend that the Government strengthen the national curriculum by confirming that as part of...
We recommend that the Government strengthen the national curriculum by confirming that as part of the new approach to school sport announced in June 2025, a minimum of two hours of high‑quality PE each week will be mandatory. (Recommendation, Paragraph … Read more
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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25 Recommendation
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
We recommend that the Government require schools to have a policy to give every child...
We recommend that the Government require schools to have a policy to give every child the opportunity to achieve at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day. We further recommend that the Government set clear expectations for activity to … Read more
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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26 Recommendation
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
We recommend that the Government make physical education a core subject within the national curriculum.
We recommend that the Government make physical education a core subject within the national curriculum. (Recommendation, Paragraph 76)
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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27 Conclusion
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
Embedding physical activity throughout the school week to improve children’s health, wellbeing, and educational attainment...
Embedding physical activity throughout the school week to improve children’s health, wellbeing, and educational attainment ultimately depends on the expertise of the nation’s teachers. While we welcome schools working with local clubs and organisations, it remains essential that qualified teachers … Read more
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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28 Recommendation
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
The Government should publish a plan to strengthen initial teacher training in physical education and...
The Government should publish a plan to strengthen initial teacher training in physical education and physical activity and ongoing professional development for all teachers, particularly at primary level. (Recommendation, Paragraph 80)
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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29 Recommendation
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
We recommend that the Government issue guidance making clear that schools are expected to adopt...
We recommend that the Government issue guidance making clear that schools are expected to adopt PE kit and uniform policies that prioritise comfort, inclusivity and dignity—particularly for girls and pupils with protected characteristics. Schools should work directly with students to … Read more
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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30 Conclusion
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
Evidence shows that a narrow, traditional PE curriculum often alienates pupils who feel less confident...
Evidence shows that a narrow, traditional PE curriculum often alienates pupils who feel less confident or “sporty”, particularly girls and children with SEND. Broadening the offer to include non‑traditional sports, dance and outdoor activities helps make PE more enjoyable and … Read more
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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31 Recommendation
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
We recommend that the Government require and support schools to deliver a broader and more...
We recommend that the Government require and support schools to deliver a broader and more inclusive PE curriculum that prioritises enjoyment, comfort and a welcoming environment for all pupils. Alongside a wider range of activities, we recommend that schools should … Read more
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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32 Recommendation
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
We recommend the Government build on the success of the School Games Organiser network with...
We recommend the Government build on the success of the School Games Organiser network with its new School Sport Partnership by increasing capacity and ensuring consistent national coverage. We invite the Government in responding to our report to set out … Read more
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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33 Conclusion
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
Joining a sports club, community walking club or a leisure centre is a wonderful way...
Joining a sports club, community walking club or a leisure centre is a wonderful way to meet new people in the community and to make connections. When local people come together through sport and physical activity, further benefits follow, from … Read more
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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34 Recommendation
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
We recommend that the Government should provide national funding and guidance to enable local authorities,...
We recommend that the Government should provide national funding and guidance to enable local authorities, clubs and community organisations to expand inclusive initiatives, (such as Play Streets, walking sports and evidence‑backed programmes like Big Sister), prioritising those that engage older … Read more
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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35 Conclusion
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
We support a place‑based approach to ensure that community needs are understood and met in...
We support a place‑based approach to ensure that community needs are understood and met in order to achieve the largest increase in activity levels. Every community is different, and by tailoring initiatives to the particular characteristics of an area, the … Read more
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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36 Recommendation
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
We recommend that the Government review the impact of the place‑ based funding model annually,...
We recommend that the Government review the impact of the place‑ based funding model annually, publishing metrics to ensure that ‘doubly‑ disadvantaged’ neighbourhoods are being fully included in the process. (Recommendation, Paragraph 117)
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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37 Conclusion
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
Increasing women’s participation in sport depends not only on opportunities to play, but also on...
Increasing women’s participation in sport depends not only on opportunities to play, but also on visibility and representation. Evidence shows that when women’s sport is regularly broadcast, especially on free‑to‑air TV, girls are more likely to feel inspired and motivated … Read more
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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38 Recommendation
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
We recommend that the Government intervene in discussions between the Premier League, Women’s Professional Leagues...
We recommend that the Government intervene in discussions between the Premier League, Women’s Professional Leagues Limited, English Football League and Football Association to ensure that women’s football is exempt from the restrictions on broadcasting in the 3pm on Saturday slot. … Read more
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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39 Recommendation
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
Sport and physical activity remain underrecognised within national health policy, despite strong evidence of their...
Sport and physical activity remain underrecognised within national health policy, despite strong evidence of their value for prevention, wellbeing and the management of longterm conditions, and despite the Government’s stated support. While England is regarded as a leader in social … Read more
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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40 Recommendation
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
We recommend that the Government provide clearer national guidance and sustained funding to health, sport...
We recommend that the Government provide clearer national guidance and sustained funding to health, sport and local partners so that proven models can expand and more people, especially those with long‑term conditions, poor mental health or at risk of inactivity, … Read more
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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41 Conclusion
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
Volunteers are essential to the delivery of community sport.
Volunteers are essential to the delivery of community sport. Across the country, thousands of people give their time to coach, officiate and support grassroots clubs, often sustaining provision that would not otherwise exist. We want everyone to have the chance … Read more
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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42 Recommendation
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
The Government should publish a comprehensive volunteering policy for sport and physical activity.
The Government should publish a comprehensive volunteering policy for sport and physical activity. This should include linking volunteering to career development and skills pathways; establishing national awards or recognition schemes for volunteers in community sport; expanding flexible and inclusive volunteering … Read more
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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43 Recommendation
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
We recognise the importance of providing safe environments for everyone attending sports clubs or activity...
We recognise the importance of providing safe environments for everyone attending sports clubs or activity groups and would not want to advocate for anything that would compromise this. However, we call on the Government to be mindful of the added … Read more
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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44 Recommendation
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
We recommend that the Government work with Sport England to identify steps that can be...
We recommend that the Government work with Sport England to identify steps that can be taken to streamline volunteer administration. This might include establishing a central register so that qualifications and DBS checks can be carried between sports and activity … Read more
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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45 Conclusion
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
The benefits of sport and physical activity—improved health, stronger communities, reduced inequalities, and enhanced educational...
The benefits of sport and physical activity—improved health, stronger communities, reduced inequalities, and enhanced educational and economic outcomes—span multiple departments, yet responsibility for delivering them remains disconnected. Without a unifying national framework to align funding, planning, education, health policy and … Read more
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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46 Conclusion
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
What is required is a decisive shift: a coherent, cross‑government strategy that addresses the recommendations...
What is required is a decisive shift: a coherent, cross‑government strategy that addresses the recommendations we have made in this report and sets a clear, long‑term plan for building a more active nation through community and school‑based sport and physical … Read more
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47 Conclusion
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
‘Movement for Health’ reflects the full breadth of what is needed: more movement in all...
‘Movement for Health’ reflects the full breadth of what is needed: more movement in all its forms, and better health in its widest sense. “Movement” captures not only structured physical exercise and sport, but the everyday activity, walking to school, … Read more
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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48 Recommendation
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
We recommend that the Government publish a cross‑government ‘Movement for Health’ strategy by 31 December...
We recommend that the Government publish a cross‑government ‘Movement for Health’ strategy by 31 December 2026. This strategy should establish clear national objectives to 2030, set out departmental responsibilities, and define the mechanisms through which health, education, planning, transport and … Read more
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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49 Recommendation
4th Report - Game On: Community an…
We recommend that the Government establish a time‑limited, cross‑ departmental working group with a clearly...
We recommend that the Government establish a time‑limited, cross‑ departmental working group with a clearly defined set of objectives and a formal methodology for measuring progress and outputs to support the delivery of the strategy. This group should be chaired … Read more
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Correspondence 4 letters
8 Jul 2025 To committee Letter from Huw Edwards, Chief Executive, ukactive, regarding oral evidence follow-up, dated 26 June 2025
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1 Jul 2025 To committee Letter from Tim Hollingsworth, Chief Executive, Sport England, regarding oral evidence follow-up, dated 25 June 2025
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17 Jun 2025 To committee Letter from Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive, Football Foundation, regarding oral evidence follow-up , dated 5 June 2025
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17 Jun 2025 To committee Letter from Stephanie Peacock MP, Minister for Sport, Media, Civil Society and Youth, regarding the Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme, dated 9 June 2025
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