London is ready to return to play

Following government's confirmation of a timetable for the resumption of indoor physical activity and team sports, London stands ready to mark a safe return to play.

The past few months have seen the capital's community sport sector respond to the challenge of fast-changing conditions in a range of ways that have helped keep London moving and supported throughout the covid-19 crisis. 

From bringing activities into people's homes through digital delivery to delivering food parcels into at-risk communities, London's physical activity sector has played a major role in supporting life across the capital.

Now, with government providing the go-ahead for the next phases of resuming physical activity and sport, London is ready to mark a safe return to more traditional forms of activity.

Under the new government guidance:

• From 11 July, outdoor swimming pools will be able to reopen, and recreational cricket will be able to resume so long as clubs follow guidance agreed by government in the England and Wales Cricket Board's guidance for the game's safe return
• From 25 July, indoor facilities including gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools will be permitted to reopen so long as operators follow government guidance
• Also from 25 July, other team sports will also be permitted to resume on the condition that their sport's National Governing Body has a resumption plan which has been approved by government

As plans for resumption gather pace, the challenge for the capital's sport sector is to ensure that we continue to support the needs of all communities.

With challenging times still to come, London Sport will work to support organisations operating in all parts of the capital to ensure that a return to physical activity reaches all Londoners, and particularly those who need it the most.

For the most up-to-date information on covid-19, its impact on physical activity and sport, and the return to play, visit our covid-19 resource hub.