This third annual report brings together evidence and learning from five spotlight, community sport projects over a two-year period (2024-’25 and 2025-’26).
Drawing on evidence from delivery partners, young people and wider stakeholders, the report highlights how community sport supports positive outcomes around wellbeing, confidence, belonging and personal development. It provides examples of how these outcomes have been achieved, including for young Londoners who face disadvantage and discrimination, including barriers to their participation in sport and other areas of life.
Alongside the evidence, the report shares practical insights into what makes community sport effective, inclusive and sustainable, offering valuable learning for funders, policymakers and organisations working with young people.
Key themes
The report explores:
- The positive outcomes experienced by young people participating in community sport
- The role of local organisations in engaging and supporting young Londoners
- What inclusive practice and positive opportunities look like in community sport settings
- The wider social value of investing in community-led provision
- Lessons to inform future funding, policy and practice
The featured spotlight projects
Alongside the main report, we have published four Spotlight pieces that explore specific examples of community sport involving young Londoners in more depth, showcasing innovative practice, young people’s experiences and learning from delivery partners.
Explore the Spotlights:
- Spotlight 1: Queens Park Rangers Community Trust (QPRCT) Football Project with refugee women, funded by the Mayor of London and The Football Association (FA). This project was aimed at providing safe, comfortable, female-led spaces for women and girls from refugee and asylum-seeking backgrounds to participate in football, increase their confidence and improve their physical and mental health.
- Spotlight 2: Internships Programme reflections and lessons (multiple sports organisations working across London) – 11 major sports organisations hosted 12-month paid internships for young Londoners from groups typically underrepresented within the sports industry. The Internships Programme is funded by the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU).
- Spotlight 3: London Coaches Programme update (Basketball England/National Basketball Association) – building a network of development, training and delivery opportunities for 500 community basketball coaches aged 16 to 30 in London.
- Spotlight 4: EmpowerHER London, focus on Brent (Rugby Football Union) – introducing women and girls in London to rugby and teaching them skills that will be useful on and off the pitch. This spotlight focuses on Brent.
Why this matters
Community sport plays a vital role in supporting young people’s lives beyond physical activity alone. The findings in this report reinforce the importance of investing in approaches that are locally rooted, inclusive, and designed around young people’s needs and strengths.
Download the report
