Sport Policy in Wales

Wales has a rich and distinct sporting heritage which is underpinned by the development of a sport system that encompasses both grassroots and elite sport and that reflects the diverse socio-economic conditions of the country. For five decades, Sport Wales has been the leading proponent of sport policy although since devolution this role has become more ambiguous. This reflects the Welsh Government’s intent to assert its own policy framework which is distinct from Westminster and in relation to sport includes major events such as the Ryder Cup, the Champions League Final, and national flagship community-based sport programmes, such as Free Swimming. This chapter provides an analysis of sport policy in Wales which is both chronological and thematic. It sets out an overview to Welsh sport policy development which foregrounds further sections on elite, community, and school sport. An analysis of sport development in Wales follows with a final section articulating some shared challenges which, under devolution, are likely to result in more country-specific, diverse responses.