Boost for wellbeing in West Yorkshire

Mayor Tracy Brabin has signed a landmark agreement with Simon Hayes, the new Chief Executive of Sport England, to boost grassroots sport, physical activity, and health across West Yorkshire. 

The agreement aims to improve the health of people across West Yorkshire by embedding sport and physical activity into everyday life. This includes helping schools embed daily activity into learning, supporting local sports clubs to reach more young people, and backing community projects that bring people together. 

With active lifestyles proven to reduce pressure on the NHS, the agreement will improve health outcomes, tackle inequalities and strengthen communities, while supporting jobs and businesses in the sport and physical activity sector. 

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “From local playing fields to global creative stages, West Yorkshire is leading the way. 

“We’re helping young people thrive, backing local talent and creating jobs, and boosting health and wellbeing across our communities. 

“We’re building a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire that works for all.”   

Simon Hayes, Chief Executive, Sport England, said: 

“The MoU with West Yorkshire Combined Authority marks a vital step in embedding physical activity into the heart of local policy and investment. Alongside Mayor Tracy Brabin and her team, we’re proud to be supporting the region’s bold ambitions to get people active, reducing pressure on the NHS, boosting the economy and creating happier and healthier communities.” 

Nigel Harrison, CEO of Yorkshire Sport Foundation said:  'It's great to see the MOU signed today in West Yorkshire between Mayor Tracy Brabin and Sport England. 

“The Mayor has previously shown real commitment in her manifesto pledge to increase sporting opportunities for all young people across West Yorkshire. The work behind the MOU will give a platform to make this happen and we, at Yorkshire Sport Foundation, will make sure we, along with our partners, will play our part in doing so.' 

Lisa Dodd-Mayne, Executive Director for Place, Sport England, said: 

“West Yorkshire is already showing what’s possible when local distributed leadership, community insight and system change come together. This MoU is about taking the next step to deepen those relationships, building on what is strong through adding a regional lens and working as one team to create the right conditions for more people to be active, regardless of background or postcode.”