The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has confirmed funding for the School Games Organisers Network has now been extended to cover the remainder of the 2026/27 Financial Year. Previously, funding was in place to the end of the 2025/26 Academic Year (August) so is now provided to cover an additional two school terms.

The announcement comes after a concerted effort from across the sector to highlight the risks posed should funding not be extended. The national School Games Organisers Network is made up of more than 450 SGOs and each year creates more than 2 million opportunities for children and young people to access and enjoy play and sport.

Commenting on the announcement, Youth Sport Trust Chief Executive Ali Oliver MBE said:

“We are delighted to receive the news funding for the School Games Organisers (SGO) Network has been confirmed to cover the remainder of the 2026/27 Financial Year. This announcement will be warmly welcomed by schools, communities and across the sport and physical activity sector.

“I know recent weeks have been very difficult for the national network of School Games Organisers: their resilience and commitment to support the children and young people they serve never ceases to inspire us. We are incredibly proud to work alongside them and immensely grateful for their commitment to the cause. The uncertainty has also affected the schools and organisations who host School Games Organisers, and I want to thank them for their patience and understanding as conversations have progressed.

“I am particularly grateful to everyone who has helped emphasise the amazing reach and impact of this network and who have called for urgent action so vital and valued opportunities for children and young people to be active are not lost; we appreciate the efforts of Sport England, National Governing Bodies of Sport, government officials and ministers alike who have all worked together to deliver this important announcement.

“Today’s announcement is a welcome boost for the sector and provides a platform to build on. While questions remain about future funding for PE and school sport, and the Government’s plans for a new PE and School Sport Partnerships Network, there is much excitement about the impact a new approach can make. Schools and Trusts are energised by the prospect of increased access and opportunity as well as understanding the important contribution PE, daily physical activity and sport can make to inclusion, wellbeing, life skills and closing the gaps created by inequality 

“We hope today’s news is a step towards the Government’s longer-term vision and look forward to hearing more very soon about the wider strategy and investment.”