Diving deeper

Grassroots sport is set to benefit from an extra £400m worth of funding. But will the investment allocated to swimming and aquatics go deep enough to save Britain’s pools?

When the Government announced a £400 million boost for grassroots sports facilities as part of a wider, £900 million investment in sport in June 2025, it sounded like a lifeline. But for millions of swimmers and communities across England, the question remains: will that money actually reach the pools and leisure centres that keep Britain moving, and is it enough to make a real difference? Earlier this year, a coalition of sector leaders from across leisure and local government – including Swim England, ukactive, the Local Government Association, and Community Leisure UK – launched a campaign urging ministers to channel this funding through local authorities. Their message was simple: if we want healthier communities, we need sustainable swimming pools and leisure centres at the heart of the plan.

THE CAMPAIGN: A CALL FOR LOCAL ACTION

The coalition’s open letter to Government highlighted a stark reality. Since 2010, more than 500 pools have closed, stripping away 34,000 m² of water space. Nearly 60% of existing pools are past their design life or in need of refurbishment. And with energy and staffing costs soaring, one in four councils is considering cutting leisure services.

The stakes couldn’t be higher. Physical inactivity is projected to rise by 35% by 2030 if facilities continue to vanish. That means more pressure on the NHS, even greater health inequalities and fewer opportunities for communities to stay active.

The coalition argued that councils are best placed to allocate funds strategically, ensuring investment reaches the facilities that matter most.

Huw Edwards, Chief Executive at ukactive said: “Investing strategically in gyms, pools and leisure centres will demonstrate the Government’s commitment to the major drivers of physical activity”.

This approach would also align with the Labour government’s 10-year health plan, which prioritises prevention and community wellbeing.

WESTMINSTER MEETING: MAKING THE CASE FACE-TO-FACE

Following the campaign, Swim England Chief Executive Andy Salmon joined sector leaders at a Westminster roundtable with the Minister for Sport and DCMS officials. Their goal: to turn words into action.

Speaking after the meeting, Salmon didn’t mince his words: “Swimming is particularly popular amongst older age groups, and those with a disability or long-term health condition. If we want to tackle health inequalities and best support a healthier and happier nation then it’s vital we have a network of sustainable pools for people to access. That’s why we need to see this investment targeted at the pools and leisure centres the nation needs.” His point was backed by hard data. 12.4 million adults swam last year. The popularity of swimming is growing amongst older age groups, with 280,600 additional regular swimmers aged 55+ in the last two years.

If we want to tackle health inequalities and best support a healthier and happier nation then it’s vital we have a network of sustainable pools for people to access

When it comes to accessibility, more adults with a disability or long term health condition swim than play football, tennis, rugby, hockey and cricket combined. Almost 20 per cent of adults with three or more health impairments swim. 1.4 million adults said swimming has helped ease their anxiety or depression and regular swimming can cut the risk of chronic disease by up to 40% – making it one of the most effective tools for public health.

WHY POOLS MATTER MORE THAN EVER

Swimming isn’t just a sport; it’s a lifeline. For families, it’s a safe way to stay active together. For older adults and those with disabilities, it’s often the only accessible form of exercise. And for millions, it’s a proven antidote to stress and isolation.

Yet without urgent investment, these benefits could disappear. Leisure centres and pools are community anchors – places where health, social connection, and opportunity intersect.

The NHS’ performance relies on public leisure facilities to deliver its services - two thirds of cancer rehabilitation services and 79 per cent of social prescribing initiatives are delivered in leisure centres. In addition, 75 per cent of grassroots sports clubs rely on affordable leisure facilities to operate.

Losing them would mean more than losing a lane; it would mean losing a vital part of Britain’s wellbeing infrastructure.

THE ROAD AHEAD

The Government’s £400 million pledge is a start, but the sector is clear: it must be spent wisely. Channelling funds through local authorities ensures accountability, strategic planning and alignment with health priorities.

As Andy Salmon summed up: “We need to make sure swimming pools and leisure centres are recognised as essential to community sport and public health. This is about building a sustainable network for the future – not just patching holes today.”

The message to ministers is loud and clear: invest where it counts. Because when pools thrive, communities do too.