The borough is one of three in London receiving a share of a £250m national scheme aimed at boosting physical activity

Enfield has been named as one of three London boroughs set to benefit from a share of a £250million investment from Sport England aimed at boosting physical activity.

While the funding allocations have not been confirmed, it’s understood Enfield will be receiving at least £500,000 as part of the programme, which will be aimed at communities deemed to have the greatest barriers to taking part in sport, particularly in the east of the borough.

Lambeth and Newham are the other London boroughs to benefit from the scheme. In total, 27 local areas in England will become part of the programme.

In Enfield, London Sport will initially act as a co-ordinator to bring partners together and build shared plans. Over time, leadership and decision making will move into the local community as the partnership develops. The focus will be on understanding what is needed to create lasting change so more people can build healthy active lives.

Alev Cazimoglu, Enfield Council’s cabinet member for health and social care, said: “This funding will make a real difference to the health and wellbeing of our residents. Too many people in our borough still face barriers to being active. This funding will help us target support where it is needed most.

“By working alongside local community groups, schools, voluntary organisations and health services, we will create more opportunities for residents of all ages to move more and live healthier lives. This is not just about sport. It is about tackling health inequalities, preventing illness and building stronger, more resilient communities.

“I am particularly passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people and funding will be focused on the more deprived areas of the borough. Being active should be accessible to everyone and this funding will help us deliver on that promise.”

The investment comes as new analysis from London Sport shows that sport and physical activity generated £18.8billion of economic and social value for the capital last year.

This includes more than £2bn in wider benefits to society, including NHS savings, improved productivity and reduced risk of long-term conditions. Social value measures the positive impact an action has on society, encompassing social, environmental, and economic benefits.

Emily Robinson, London Sport CEO, said: “Sport and physical activity generated more than £18bn of social value for London last year. This shows the enormous potential that exists in our city. But we also know that too many Londoners face real barriers to being active, and the latest research makes clear that billions more could be unlocked if the least active groups, including disabled people and those on lower incomes, were better supported.

“We welcome this increased investment into the capital to help us close this gap. Our approach is centred on working with places and communities, partnering with local organisations and leaders who understand what people need and what assets already exist. By taking this approach, we can break down the barriers that persist and help more Londoners enjoy the benefits of a more active life.”

Lisa Dodd-Mayne, Sport England’s executive director for place, said: “We want everyone, no matter where they live or who they are, to have the chance to be active and healthy. To do this, we’re focusing on places, towns, cities, and communities, where people face the biggest challenges.

“We are proud to announce a further 27 new Sport England place partnerships, in every corner of the country, bringing the total number of places we are working with to more than 90.

“We are committed to working with local partners and communities to break down the barriers to physical activity so that everyone has equal access to a more active life. We are excited to see what we can achieve together in Lambeth, Newham and Enfield.”

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