Too many of us were traumatised by sport at school but it's never too late to change | Cath Bishop

"Sports councils, health bodies, charities and thinktanks are piling up the evidence that sport and physical activity help us live healthier, happier lives, improve academic attainment at school and productivity at work, connect our communities and help prevent crime and reoffending. Why can't we turn this into reality? Reports often call for better coordination, including the recent House of Commons inquiry Game On: Community and School Sport. But sport and physical activity remains poorly linked among schools, sports clubs, community organisations, parks and playgrounds."

"Mark Davies, an entrepreneur and former chair of British Rowing and Archery GB, has long advocated linking local schools and sports clubs, an idea flagged when Tracey Crouch was sports minister (2015-2018). Frustrated by inaction, Davies set up The Big Map to enable schools and clubs to connect, directly and link with funders to explore more entrepreneurial ways to make this happen."

"Greater Manchester's Moving Partnership is pioneering a different practical approach, connecting health, transport, urban design services and community groups rather than relying on individual willpower. Working to a 10-year strategy with strong political backing, they are constantly experimenting, learning and adapting to do what has never been done before. Major change requires political will and a vision for sport that is not about whether the UK hosts the next Olympics or World Cup."

Reports and evidence link sport and physical activity to healthier, happier lives, improved academic attainment, greater productivity, stronger community connections, and reduced crime and reoffending. Despite calls for better coordination, sport and physical activity remain poorly connected across schools, sports clubs, community organisations, parks, and playgrounds. Structural change and innovation are needed to turn recommendations into real-world outcomes. Mark Davies created The Big Map to connect local schools and sports clubs and link them directly with funders to support entrepreneurial solutions. National integration across health, education, and community-building has been difficult. Greater Manchester’s Moving Partnership connects health, transport, urban design, and community groups under a 10-year strategy with political backing, using continuous experimentation and adaptation. Major change requires political will and a broader vision beyond hosting major sporting events.

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