Football Foundation response to Government announcement on Sport England's statutory consultee role

Responding to the Government's announcement on Sport England's statutory consultee role on 10 March 2025, Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said:

"The Football Foundation, in supporting Sport England, plays a vital role in protecting and investing in community sports facilities. We believe every community should have a great place to play; and the individual, societal and economic value of these facilities is fundamental to the nation.

"We are committed to delivering government investment in grassroots multi-sport facilities. We also recognise and support the ambition of the government to drive economic growth through development but believe this should not be to the detriment of quality sport facilities and the nation’s ability to get active and healthy.  

"Reform of the planning system should be focused on expediting the process, allowing for greater certainty for all developers, including the Football Foundation, as we seek to improve community sports facilities across England. We look forward to engaging in the consultation process in due course."