The Cost of Living Crisis: The impact on grassroots community sport and recreation, published in partnership with Sheffield Hallam University’s Sport Industry Research Centre and Sport:80, outlines the challenging situation facing clubs across the country this winter. With energy bills expected to almost double in the coming year, and clubs’ reserves already depleted from COVID-19, these additional costs are likely to be passed on to participants at a time when they can least afford it.
The findings paint a worrying picture for our sector, the participants it supports and the economic and social value it delivers to local communities. The research shows that community sport and recreation clubs are under severe financial pressure and are struggling to cope with the dual impact of steeply rising energy costs and the recovery from COVID-19.
