Sport, Belonging and the Britain We Share

Sport, Belonging and the Britain We Share is a national, invitation-led conference bringing together senior leaders from sport, health, local government and the community sector.

The event explores the role of sport and physical activity in building trust, belonging and social cohesion in a diverse society, and what this means for participation, system design and long-term engagement.

While convened by the Muslim Sports Foundation, this is not a conference about one community.

It is a system-level discussion about how sport connects people across difference, and what happens when sections of the population feel disconnected from mainstream provision.

British Muslim communities, who consistently record some of the lowest levels of participation nationally, are used as a well-evidenced case study through which wider questions of inclusion, institutional trust and system effectiveness can be examined. The learning is intended to inform more inclusive and sustainable approaches for all communities.

The conference provides a neutral, reflective space focused on learning rather than blame, and on long-term outcomes rather than short-term participation gains.

Who this event is for

This conference is designed for senior decision-makers and influencers working across:

• Sport and physical activity systems
• Health and wellbeing
• Local government and public services
• Community and voluntary sectors

It is particularly relevant for those shaping strategy, funding, policy and delivery at a system level.

What to expect

• System-level discussion and shared learning
  Honest reflection on what has and has not worked across policy, funding and delivery.
• Sport as a connector
  Exploring how trust, belonging and perceptions of institutions shape engagement over time.
• Cross-sector perspectives
  Insights from sport, health, local government and community leadership to support joined-up thinking.
• Clearer direction for future action
  Supporting better aligned investment decisions, stronger partnerships and more sustainable participation models.

This is a space for leaders who want to think beyond short-term initiatives and contribute to meaningful, lasting social connection through sport.