The Road to the2024 Election Manifesto

The 165 page document presents policy calls, ideas and proposals from 29 physical activity sector organisations. The Sports Think Tank asked each organisation to create resource-neutral policies which they would want the UK's political parties to champion in their forthcoming manifestos and first 100 days in office.

The policy calls range from cutting red tape, raising standards and suggestions on how to redirect existing funding to more specific proposals – such as elevating the status of Sport and physical activity in Further Education, include active environments in planning policies and changing the Highway Code.

Many of the contributors which included AoC Sport Board member Jo Maher also call for greater governmental intervention to help drive much needed change in the sector itself. There are proposals to introduce new legislation and more regulation to make certain policies mandatory and improve the performance of the sector. Addressing the deep-seated inequalities across the sector is another common theme among the proposed policies, as are ensuring better provision for children and young people, embedding activity in Further Education and moving the sector towards health and wellbeing, especially through prevention in integrated care systems.

Commenting on the publication of the document, Kim Leadbeater MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Sport, said: "It's not hyperbole to claim that physical activity remains one of the most under-used resources we have at our disposal when tackling some of our most persistent challenges, from easing the pressures on the NHS, tackling crime and improving economic productivity to finding ways to level up.

"That's why this is a crucial document. It brings together ideas, proposals and calls from across the sport, physical activity, and wellbeing sector, making for a fascinating and inspiring read. From simple ideas that could be easily implemented to more wide-reaching changes intended to shift the dial on public discourse, there is plenty of food for thought.

"Perhaps most importantly – and this is where political parties should prick up their ears – the contributors were challenged to make each policy call cost-neutral. In these economically trying times, this aspect alone should make the document you have in your hands essential reading.

"Another aspect that adds value to this document is the sheer variety of the ideas within it. From activating primary school children to engaging the elderly and from community sport to elite performance, nearly every aspect of sport, wellbeing and physical activity is covered."