Barnsley has secured a further £744,593 investment from Sport England to help more residents build physical activity into their everyday lives. The funding will support work through the Active in Barnsley Partnership until 2028.
The investment builds on Barnsley's existing Sport England Place Partnership funding and recognises progress already made across the borough. It will continue to support work helping people be more active in their local communities, bringing physical activity into health and social care services, supporting schools and young people, and reducing inactivity.
Activity levels increase significantly
Since the partnership first received Sport England investment, activity levels in Barnsley have increased from 53% in 2021 to 2022 to 62.9% in 2024 to 2025. This means around 28,840 more people are now achieving recommended activity levels for good health, marking one of the strongest improvements in the Yorkshire and Humber region.
Partnership organisations
The Active in Barnsley Partnership brings together Barnsley Council, Barnsley Football Club Community Trust, Grassroots Sports Academy, Barnsley Premier Leisure, DIAL, Yorkshire Sport Foundation, local health partners, voluntary and community organisations, and community groups.
Councillor David Goddard, Cabinet Spokesperson for Environment and Transport, said: "This investment is fantastic news for Barnsley and a strong endorsement of the work taking place through the Active in Barnsley Partnership. By working together across organisations, communities and sectors, we have already helped thousands more residents become physically active and improve their health and wellbeing."
Lisa Dodd-Mayne, Sport England's Executive Director for Partnerships and Place, said: "We want everyone, no matter where they live or who they are, to have the chance to be active and healthy. We are excited to see what we can achieve together in Barnsley."
