From coaching and officiating to stewarding events and running club admin, an incredible 14.2 million people give their time each month to make sport happen. Yet despite the scale of this contribution, the sector faces growing challenges – not least the need to recruit more volunteers from underrepresented groups, especially women, people from ethnically diverse communities, disabled individuals, and younger generations.
Research shows that diverse and inclusive volunteering isn’t just fairer – it makes organisations stronger, more connected, and better equipped to serve their communities. But outdated structures, lack of visibility, and confidence barriers continue to prevent many from getting involved.
This special section celebrates the people and programmes working to change that. From mums stepping up to coach to young leaders shaping local clubs, we spotlight the stories, stats, and support networks helping volunteering become more open, rewarding, and reflective of modern Britain. Because when people feel seen and supported, they step forward – and everybody benefits.
Volunteering by numbers
Super support
6.7 million sport volunteers (14.9% of England’s population) volunteered at least twice in the last year to support sport and physical activity.
Source: Sport England 2023
Super support 2
Sport England research shows that from November 2023 to November 2024, nearly 10.5 million adults volunteered in sport and physical activity – an increase of 488,000 from the previous year.
Gender gap
60% of sport volunteers are men (4 million) vs. 40% women (2.7 million) – a gender gap of 1.3 million.
Source: Sport England, 2023
Mis-representation
People from lower socio-economic groups make up 31% of the population but only 10% of sport volunteers. Source
Sport England, 2023
Missing volunteer
There’s a 2.1 million volunteer shortfall in the UK sport and activity sector compared to five years ago.
Source: Sport England, 2023
Uneven split
Only 28% of adults in the most deprived areas volunteer monthly, compared to 37% in the least deprived – 9-point gap shows deep inequality.
Source: Community Life Survey 2023/24
Diversity down
Only 15% of volunteers from minority backgrounds progress into sports leadership – diversity stalls in decision-making positions.
Source: International Diversity in Sports Council, 2023
Disabled barriers
Disabled people make up 21% of the UK population but just 11% of sport volunteers.
Source: Sport England, 2023
Glass ceiling
Women make up 55% of grassroots volunteers but hold just 12% of leadership roles in UK sports organisations.
Source: Women in Sport International, 2023
