Horizon scanning

Horizon scanning helps us anticipate the future trends shaping sport and physical activity, guiding innovation and better outcomes for people and communities.

What is horizon scanning?

Horizon scanning is a process that helps to identify the emerging trends and issues that will impact the future of sport and physical activity.

It helps us understand long-term shifts in society, technology, economy, environment, and policy, allowing us to anticipate challenges and opportunities in the future. 

We use horizon scanning to inform our strategic decisions by providing foresight into how the sector may evolve. 

Understanding these trends enables us to adapt, innovate, and improve how we create positive outcomes for people and communities across England. 

Horizon scanning is about preparing for the future – ensuring that sport and physical activity can continue to evolve in a way that meets the needs of all individuals and communities, regardless of the challenges ahead. 

These trends highlight potential changes in society, the economy, and technology that will influence how we engage with sport and physical activity over the next decade.

The trends are based on the best evidence available at the time of publication in 2021 and 2024. The implications and possible impact of the trends are intended to present a high-level view, and not an exhaustive list of possibilities. 

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