In recent years, investment in sport has largely been either at an elite level, with performance pathways for talented athletes, or to the grassroots, but supporting people who are already playing.

Even if some of this funding has been used to encourage new people into sport, it still only helps those with an existing interest. It hasn’t reached the people who have had poor experiences of sport in the past, who’ve never had the opportunity to experience a range of activities and find something they like, or who face other barriers to participation. It hasn’t changed the minds of those who think that sport’s simply not for them.

Encouraging participation in sports and activities that require a base level of fitness and understanding of the rules and rituals of the game is never going to get the most inactive people in our society moving. It doesn’t matter how much we brand these sessions as being for beginners, it’s still too much to ask people to go from zero to hero, from first experience to establishing a habit or passion.

We need to offer accessible, fun and welcoming ways to play if we want to break down these barriers. We believe that there’s something for everyone and that we can help people find that at ParkPlay. There’s no judgement, no expectations and no competition – just the opportunity to experience a range of fun activities, from sports like cricket and tennis, to newer activities like slacklining and dodgeball.

By inspiring more people to take that first step and be more active we are increasing the size of the pie. Some of those people may in turn find an interest, something they enjoy and suits them and their life. That interest can in time develop into a passion for one sport or activity, likely through the existing sporting infrastructure, and become a lifelong active habit with all the benefits that brings.

How is ParkPlay going to help do this?

• Placing a strong focus on people who are less active, and addressing activity inequalities
• Encouraging families to play together, regardless of age, ability or experience
• Offering a variety of activities with minimal rules, maximum fun
• Focusing on playing games like frisbee, scavenger hunts and dodgeball, rather than traditional sports

We love these words from Sport England Chief Executive Tim Hollingsworth on getting the nation more active and support his new strategy Uniting the Movement. ParkPlay can play a key role in turning the tide, encouraging movement and building happier and healthier communities as a consequence.