SHEFFIELD COMMUNITIES SET TO BENEFIT FROM LABOUR INVESTMENT IN GRASSROOTS SPORT
- Nearly 1,000 community sports projects across the UK are benefiting from Labour government investment in new and upgraded facilities
- Funding prioritises deprived communities, with at least 50% directed to the 30% most deprived areas
- New funding of £85 million will be available in 2026/27, with applications now open in England
- Investment is helping break down barriers to sport for women, girls and under-represented groups
Louise Haigh, Labour MP for Sheffield Heeley, has welcomed a major Labour Government investment in grassroots sport, which is helping communities in Sheffield access better, safer, and more inclusive local sports facilities.
Across the country, nearly 1,000 projects have already benefited from funding to deliver new all-weather pitches, floodlighting, goalposts, changing rooms and community hubs. This investment is helping local clubs and organisations offer affordable, year-round opportunities for people of all ages to stay active.
In Sheffield, where many communities have faced years of underinvestment in local facilities, the funding is part of a wider effort to tackle health inequalities, improve mental wellbeing and give children and young people positive places to spend their time.
At least half of all funding has been directed to the 30% most deprived communities, ensuring areas that need support the most are prioritised. Facilities are also designed to improve access for women and girls, disabled people and other groups who have traditionally been under-represented in sport.
In 2025/26 alone, 991 projects across the UK were awarded funding. The Labour government has now confirmed a further £85 million for grassroots sport facilities in 2026/27, as part of a £400 million long-term commitment announced at the 2025 Spending Review. Applications are already open in England through the Football Foundation.
The funding supports a wide range of improvements, including:
- New artificial grass pitches enabling year-round play
- Floodlighting to extend evening and community use
- Modern changing facilities suitable for women’s and girls’ teams
- Multi-sport provision supporting rugby, cricket, basketball and more
- Safer sites through improved fencing, storage and equipment
At least 40% of funded projects must offer multi-sport use, helping ensure facilities serve whole communities rather than a single group.
Louise Haigh MP said:
- “Grassroots sport is at the heart of so many Sheffield communities. Our local clubs don’t just help people keep fit, they bring neighbours together, support young people, and play a vital role in improving mental health and wellbeing.
- “For too long, many clubs here have had to make do with poor pitches and run-down facilities. This Labour investment is already making a real difference, and the new funding opening up next year will give more Sheffield organisations the chance to improve what they can offer.
- “By prioritising deprived areas and breaking down barriers for women and girls, this is about fairness, opportunity and pride in our local communities – and it’s exactly the kind of investment Sheffield deserves.”
The programme supports Labour’s wider Plan for Change, using grassroots sport to improve public health, strengthen communities and help ease pressure on the NHS by making it easier for people to stay active close to home.