Committee publication · Correspondence · 3 February 2026
Letter from Stephanie Peacock MP, Minister for Sport, Tourism, Civil Society and Youth, regarding Multi Sport Grassroots Facilities Funding 2026/27, 28 January 2026
From: Culture, Media and Sport Committee
Inquiry: The work of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport
Summary
Minister Stephanie Peacock announces £85 million for grassroots sports facilities in 2026/27 as part of a £400 million five-year investment plan (2025-30). Funding covers artificial grass pitches, floodlights, goalposts and community hubs across the UK, with 50% directed to the 30% most deprived areas. An additional £15 million for England includes £5 million for basketball co-funded with the NBA.
Key findings
- £85 million allocated for 2026/27 grassroots sports facilities: £68.35m England, £8.14m Scotland, £5.735m Wales, £2.775m Northern Ireland
- 50% of investment directed to the 30% most deprived areas; at least 40% of funded projects will offer multi-sport provision
- Additional £15 million for England in 2026/27 including £5 million for basketball (second most popular team sport for young people) matched by £5 million NBA investment
- 991 projects funded under the Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme in 2025/26; Deloitte commissioned to evaluate programme effectiveness
- Future investment will consider wider funding options following engagement with sports sector and local leaders
Tone
ProceduralTopics
sports-fundingcommunity-facilitiespublic-healthregional-investmentdeprivation
Key actors
Stephanie Peacock MP, Dame Caroline Dinenage, Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Deloitte, NBA
Notable line
“50% of investment will go to the 30% most deprived areas in the UK, giving people access to high-quality facilities regardless of where they live.”
Key Quotes
“Sport plays a vital role in bringing communities together across the country. We will continue to support grassroots clubs, ensuring that communities benefit from the opportunity and cohesion that sport provides.”
“… the Government will invest £85 million to build and upgrade grassroots sports facilities across the UK in 2026/27, as part of £400 million to be invested across 2025-30.”
“At least 40% of funded projects will have a multi-sport offer, allowing more people to participate in a wider variety of sports and activities that appeal to them and helping us to reduce inactivity levels, a key element of our Health Mission.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗