A record number of adults in England are now playing sport or engaging in physical activity, according to the latest annual survey from grassroots funding body Sport England.
The data, covering November 2024 to November 2025, shows that 64.4% of adults are meeting the chief medical officer's recommended 150 minutes of weekly physical activity. This is the highest figure ever recorded, representing an increase of 859,000 adults compared to the previous year's Active Lives data.
Sport England reports that running, gym workouts, and fitness activities are driving the growth, while team sports are nearing participation levels last seen nine years ago. Swimming numbers have also stabilized.
Despite the overall progress, Sport England acknowledges persistent inequalities. Black and Asian people, older adults, individuals with disabilities, and those on lower incomes remain less likely to be active. Women also continue to lag behind men in activity levels.
"It's great to see continued growth," said Sport England Chief Executive Simon Hayes. "But today's report also shows this progress is still not being felt equally."
Minister for Sport Stephanie Peacock emphasized a "place-based approach" to funding, backed by £250 million through Sport England targeting areas with the highest inactivity, and at least £400 million for multi-sport community facilities.
However, a parliamentary report earlier this week concluded that funding for school and community sport is "insufficient and increasingly unstable." MPs on the Culture, Media and Sport Committee highlighted "limited facilities and an absence of national co-ordination," noting that while demand—especially from women and girls—is rising, facility provision is declining due to closures and aging infrastructure.