Funding confirmation for School Games Organisers network for 2025/26

The Youth Sport Trust said it has had confirmation from the Government that School Games Organisers (SGO) funding will continue into 2025/26.

This means the network will be fully funded until March 2026.

A senior official in the Department of Health and Social Care has written to the Youth Sport Trust to confirm an extension of funding for the School Games Organisers network until the end of the 2025/26 financial year.

In a letter from the Department of Health and Social Care to the Youth Sport Trust, the spokesperson said: “The dedication of the school games organisers, coupled with the work of the Youth Sport Trust and other organisations, is exactly what we need to enable to deliver our ambitions to create the healthiest generation of children and wider Health Mission aims, where we are committed to addressing physical inactivity to improve health outcomes and subsequently reduce pressure on the NHS.”

You can read the letter in full here.

Ali Oliver MBE, Youth Sport Trust Executive  said: “We are delighted to receive this confirmation of funding for the SGO network to cover the 2025/26 Financial Year. from a senior official in the Department for Health and Social Care.

“The Youth Sport Trust and our partners have been consistent in our call for clarity on funding of the SGO network, to ensure opportunities for children and young people to be active are not lost. We are grateful to all those who have worked alongside us to raise the salience of this issue and we are pleased the Government has listened and acted in response.

“This update and the positive words accompanying it will give the School Games Organisers the security needed to continue their vital work, making a meaningful difference to the lives of children and young people through sport and physical activity.

“At this time, I would like to specifically recognise and express our gratitude to the amazing people who fill these SGO roles; despite the uncertainty and many challenges they have faced over the years, they have been resilient, courageous and most of all committed to supporting the children they work with. I would also like to pay particular tribute to the schools and organisations who host these roles and thank them for their patience and willingness to provide an essential anchor for the SGOs during recent weeks and months.

“We look forward to continuing to work closely with the Government and across our sector to build a brighter future where every child can enjoy the life-changing benefits of sport and play.”