Alliance launches sports club survey to gauge condition of grassroots sport

  • two in five clubs (42%) were experiencing an increase in the number of people joining their

The Sport and Recreation Alliance has launched its 2013 Sports Club Survey today to gauge the condition of grassroots sport.

The survey aims to set out a detailed picture of how clubs are functioning in the wake of a hugely successful home Games.

It will also provide a longer term view of whether clubs are in a better or worse position than they have been in previous years.

At the end of 2012, the Alliance’s Olympic and Paralympic legacy snapshot survey revealed cause for optimism, but that more could be done to help sports clubs drive up grassroots participation.

The survey showed that:

  • two in five clubs (42%) were experiencing an increase in the number of people joining their club since the Games but a quarter (26%) of these clubs were struggling to meet demand
  • a lack of funding was preventing three in five sports clubs from growing their membership
  • increased running costs were holding back the growth of 54% of sports clubs and half were struggling with a lack of affordable venues or facilities.


The Alliance's Sports Club Survey will now be gathering more detailed responses to piece together a picture of how grassroots sports clubs are faring in the afterglow of the games.

All amateur sports clubs from across the length and breadth of the UK are encouraged to answer the survey between now and the end of June.

If you are a sports club or know sports clubs who can take part in the survey, please visit and share this link: www.sportandrecreation.org.uk/policy/SSC

To find out more about the 2013 Sports Club Survey contact Syann Cox.

For media enquiries contact Libby Jellie.