UK: England—national governing bodies of sport and government agencies

Abstract

The role and statue of the UK sport governing bodies of sport (NGBS) in determining and delivering the national sport policy over the past twenty years have undergone significant changes. This chapter tracks the conceptual and structural evolution of NGBs and, in particular, their relationship with government policies. Two discernible trends are highlighted including the gradual transformation of NGBS from voluntary to semi-professional and professional organisations and from closed membership bodies to inclusive sports charged with tackling a range of social and economic issues. Examined are also the implications of these transformations on the delivery of sport and management practices.