New evaluation highlights the power of local partnership in getting communities active

A new independent evaluation of the Multi-Sport Activity and Facilities Fund Programme has some really encouraging news: nearly 19,000 people have taken part in sport and physical activity through the programme so far, across 1,307 sessions delivered in communities right across England.

The evaluation, carried out by Substance between September 2025 and March 2026, found strong evidence of real outcomes for participants, including increased activity levels, greater confidence to get active and a stronger sense of connection to their local communities.

What's making the difference? The projects that are working best are affordable, flexible and co-designed with the communities they serve, delivered through organisations that people already know and trust. It's also clear that the Active Partnerships network is adding real value, connecting organisations and making sure national investment translates into local impact.

The report is honest about the challenges too. Long-term funding and sustaining participation remain real pressures, and those insights will shape what comes next.

As an Active Partnership, we recognise these findings. They reflect what we see every day across South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire: that when investment is matched with local knowledge and genuine partnership, the results speak for themselves. We look forward to continuing to work closely with the network to access funding to support organisations across South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire through this work. 

Read the full evaluation report on the Active Partnerships website.

Image credit: Active Partnerships