Investing In Sports and Activity Conference 

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​Manchester Conference Centre.  

12th November 2026

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Funding is the lifeblood of sport and physical activity in the UK — yet the allocation, impact, and long-term sustainability of that funding are under greater scrutiny than ever.

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Building a healthier, happier and more active nation requires bold ambition, strong leadership and—crucially—sustainable investment. While funding remains the backbone of progress across the sport, leisure and physical activity sector, many organisations continue to fall short of their potential. Not because the ambition isn’t there, but because the financial model isn’t strong enough to support long-term growth.

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With public budgets tightening, NHS pressures mounting, and inequality in participation persisting, the question is not whether funding should be increased, but how it should be invested, who should receive it, and what impact it should deliver.

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Too many organisations rely on a limited number of income sources, leaving them exposed, restricted, and unable to expand their services to meet the needs of communities. As public funding becomes increasingly competitive and traditional revenue streams plateau, the sector must radically rethink how it attracts, secures and grows investment.

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The Finance, Funding & Future Growth Conference brings together industry leaders, innovators, investors and practitioners for a focused, practical and inspirational day that asks one essential question:

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How can the sector develop sustainable, diverse, and resilient income models that enable it to deliver on its mission of enhancing national health and wellbeing?

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The Funding the Future of Sport & Physical Activity Conference will bring together leaders from government, the NHS, national governing bodies, local authorities, charities, and private investors to explore how to create a sustainable, effective funding ecosystem that drives participation, improves health outcomes, and delivers measurable social value.

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Across keynote sessions, expert panels, case studies, and practical masterclasses, the conference will reveal how the most successful organisations blend multiple revenue streams, reduce their reliance on any single funder, and create financial models that withstand economic pressure.

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Delegates will benefit from:

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• Insightful keynotes and discussions with thought leaders driving sustainability in sport and physical activity.

• Practical case studies and evidence-based approaches that highlight sector-wide progress and future priorities.

• Networking and business development opportunities, connecting professionals and organisations committed to achieving sustainable change.

The organisations that thrive over the next decade will be those who innovate, collaborate, diversify and demonstrate clear impact. This conference is designed to help every attendee—large or small—unlock those opportunities.

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