At each Senedd election, political parties in Wales put forward their manifestos outlining what they will do should they form the next Welsh Government. Sport Wales wants to make sure that sport and physical activity form a key part of any future Government’s plans so that everyone in Wales can benefit from being active.
We have been working with our partners to create four recommendations we would like political parties to include in their manifestos ahead of the elections in May 2026. Together, these recommendations can unlock the potential of sport to benefit everyone in Wales.
Manifesto recommendations for sport
Our recommendations are:
Increase funding in sport
- For a thriving sport sector, delivering lifelong benefits to everyone, Wales needs an increase in sport funding until comparable with those of similar countries.
Why:
The power of sport to drive social and economic value is a proven concept. The opportunity to ensure the people of Wales are healthier, wealthier and more prosperous exists by funding sport to its full potential.
For Wales to reach parity in culture funding with the UK, there would need to be an additional £20m invested annually in sport.
For Wales to be ranked within the middle of the assessed European nations, an additional £208m annually would be required.
Focus on the nation’s preventative health and wellbeing
2. Wales needs to introduce a ‘preventative health and wellbeing’ category of spend in future budgets, moving towards a longer-term budgeting view to help build and protect population health. This would help recognise and properly fund sport and unleash its societal benefits for everyone.
Why:
There is a significant national health challenge. The population’s general health has decreased over time, and the number of people reporting a mental health condition as a long-term illness has increased. Over 24% of children in Wales are overweight or obese, and we know physical activity can play an important part in tackling the issues of obesity.
Sport and physical activity have the potential to be the most effective preventative health tool in Wales. However, this will only be realised if the unique role sport can play is maximised across health services.
Engaging young people in sport in and around school
3. Wales needs a whole school system approach to young people’s engagement in physical activity in, and around, the school day. This can be achieved through committing adequate resources to a daily active offer, supporting the health and wellbeing of future generations.
The latest School Sport Survey figures noted that only 39% of school-age children are active three or more times a week. However, demand for more sport amongst children and young people is at a staggering 93%. Young people want to increase their activity levels, but the existing infrastructure and environment in and around the school day is not supporting that to take place.
£3m a year would create a Daily Active offer that would improve opportunities for physical activity in and around the school day. This could make a big impact in integrating sport and physical activity into young people’s daily routines. Schools would become healthier and more active learning environments with better connections to their local community.
A new National Centre for sport
4. Wales needs a new National Centre for sport. A fit for the future National Centre will significantly enhance support for the general public, athletes, coaches, sports leaders, and national governing bodies of sport to realise their sporting ambitions, from grassroots to world stage.
Why
The current Sport Wales National Centre has been a focal point for Welsh sport for over 50 years. It is the home of Sport Wales and many National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) and is the base of the Sport Wales Institute - where we provide support for our most talented athletes.
However, to go on supporting people in the future continuing to modify the current facility is no longer a viable option.
We are looking to create a new centre that sets the benchmark for sports facilities in Wales. As well as better supporting many of those currently using the facility, the centre would include the ability to host more national and international sport events in a purpose-built 3,000 seat indoor arena. An investment of £150m spread over 5 years will deliver significant benefits to Wales.
For more information on our manifesto recommendations please contact policy@Sport.Wales
