Sport England's devolution statement a welcome step forward for sport and physical activity

Sport England has published its Devolution Policy Position Statement, setting out how devolution presents a major opportunity to improve access to sport and physical activity across England, and highlighting the critical role that Active Partnerships play in making that happen. 

The statement recognises Active Partnerships as playing "a critical role as system change convenors across strategic authorities", bringing together leaders and resources across sectors to connect national ambition, regional priorities and local delivery. In short, it puts Active Partnerships right at the heart of how devolution can work for communities.

We're proud that here in Yorkshire, this work is already well underway. Having signed Memorandums of Understanding with both South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire Combined Authorities, we've been building close, productive relationships with them and seeing firsthand what becomes possible when sport and physical activity are woven into local decision-making.

Carl Hawkes, Chief Executive of Yorkshire Sport Foundation, said: "We've been working hard across South and West Yorkshire to build real partnerships with our Combined Authorities, and we've seen first hand the difference it can make. Sport England's statement reflects what we already know to be true: that sport and physical activity are among the most powerful tools available to local leaders. It's brilliant to see this momentum building right across the country."

South Yorkshire's Active Lives Commissioner, Ed Clancy OBE, has spoken about how organisations like Yorkshire Sport Foundation help to join the dots and turn good ideas into real change. That kind of feedback means a lot to us and drives us to keep pushing.

Devolution is opening up real opportunities for communities nationwide, and we hope to see more Mayors, Strategic Authorities and local partners embracing sport and physical activity as part of that journey. In Yorkshire, we're already seeing what that looks like in practice, and we can't wait to see what comes next.

For more information, visit:

Sport England's Devolution Policy Position Statement

Active Partnerships: Bringing sport and physical activity to the heart of devolution