Your weekly physical activity bulletin

25 March 2025

We are working towards improving the health and wellbeing of the nation through sport, exercise and physical activity. For more information on our work visit our website or follow us on X @NCSEM_PAnews

The world’s first global thematic report on sport trafficking unveils critical insights into exploitation

Loughborough University, in partnership with Mission 89 and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UK Branch of the British Parliament, has released the first-ever comprehensive global thematic report on sport trafficking.

The report presents a rigorous academic and policy-oriented analysis of human trafficking in the global sports ecosystem. It details a comprehensive literature review, interdisciplinary expert consultations, forensic analysis of documented trafficking incidents, comparative international policy assessment, and contributions from global experts.

While highlighting the economic benefits of the sports industry, which is estimated to be between $471 billion and $1.4 trillion annually, the report sheds light on how this lucrative industry has become a magnet for traffickers exploiting vulnerable individuals, particularly young athletes from the Global South.

£100 million to revamp local sports facilities across UK

People across the UK will benefit from upgraded sports facilities in their local area thanks to £100 million invested by government.

Working together with the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation in England, the Cymru Football Foundation in Wales, and the Football Associations in Scotland and Northern Ireland, the funding is expected to support hundreds of new and improved pitches, changing rooms, goalposts and floodlights to improve access to sport and physical activity for local communities. 

It will be targeted at deprived areas and support greater access and participation levels among under-represented people including women and girls, ethnic minority groups and disabled players.  

Health policies to tackle chronic diseases can have positive impacts within 5 years

Twenty-five policies and concrete health interventions can, in a relatively short span of time, individually and collectively contribute to addressing the overwhelming burden of chronic illnesses in the WHO European Region.

A new paper published in “The Lancet Regional Health – Europe” by experts in noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) at WHO/Europe has for the first time analysed exactly how specific public health measures – so-called quick buys – can have a positive impact on population health across Europe and central Asia in as little as 5 years.

Top tips for creating an inclusive sports club

If you’re part of a sports club and you’re looking to be more inclusive, then take note of Wrecsam Rhinos Inclusive Rugby Club.

The team was set up in 2022 by Stevie Harris and Ben Brown – as a safe space for LGBTQ+ men to play rugby.

In creating a welcoming environment and focussing on inclusivity and friendship, what started as a gay team has evolved to welcome players of all backgrounds. From five players at their first training session, the side is now a community of more than 60 players.

Sport Wales headed up to their weekly training session at Clwb Rygbi Wrecsam and quizzed the team on how Welsh sports clubs can be more inclusive of diverse communities.

#MoreBallGames Campaign Launched

Across England, thousands of outdated and restrictive ‘No Ball Games’ signs continue to undermine children's fundamental right to play. Play England stands proudly behind the dynamic ‘More Ball Games’ campaign, a crucial initiative led by London Sport and creative agency Saatchi & Saatchi. Together, they're determined to challenge and remove these barriers, advocating fiercely for public spaces that welcome and encourage active play, vibrant communities, and healthier, happier childhoods.

Play England firmly believes every child must have the freedom to play freely and safely outdoors. Yet, approximately 7,000 ‘No Ball Games’ signs scattered across London deliberately hinder children's opportunities to explore, build friendships, and experience joy through play. More than mere physical barriers, these signs represent a wider issue—communities discouraging play and effectively denying children their rights.

Activity Alliance and Sport for Confidence launch Include to Improve

Activity Alliance and Sport for Confidence have launched Include to Improve – a two-year programme to create more opportunities for disabled people to take part, volunteer and work in sports and activities. Funded by Sport England’s recover and reinvent fund, the programme looks to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and cost-of-living crisis on disabled people’s engagement with sports and activities at all levels.

We know that disabled people face significant challenges in participating, volunteering, and working in sport and physical activity for many reasons including financial, physical, psychological and structural barriers.

The Include to Improve programme aims to change this by working collaboratively with disabled people and a network of strategic partners.

The weekly physical activity bulletin in a summary of news stories that appear across the physical activity sector. The National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine is not responsible for the content of external sites.

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