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<p>The Government is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in sport and physical
activity, including football. Our strategy ‘Sporting Future’ sets out a clear ambition
to increase levels of physical activity amongst under-represented groups, working
closely with our arm’s length and national bodies to achieve this. We are in regular
dialogue with the football authorities across a range of matters, including increasing
diversity.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>We support the efforts of The FA in their
work with Asian communities, as the largest ethnic minority group in the country,
through the FA Asian Inclusion Plan. The plan focuses on tackling Asian underrepresentation
at all levels of the game, both locally and nationally. The five pillars of the strategy
work to ensure that intersectional participation, and representation, is occurring
from grassroots all the way through to elite pathways and governance. Further details
about the plan can be found here: <a href="https://www.thefa.com/news/2021/may/06/fa-asian-inclusion-strategy-update-20210506"
target="_blank">https://www.thefa.com/news/2021/may/06/fa-asian-inclusion-strategy-update-20210506</a></p><p><strong>
</strong></p><p>We also welcomed the launch of The FA’s ‘Football Leadership Diversity
Code’ last year, which is a step in the right direction to ensure English football
better represents our modern and diverse society, on and off the pitch. The FA has
committed to following this with a version adapted for the National League System
and grassroots clubs this year.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>Opportunities for participation
are crucial too. The Government invests £18m a year into football facilities, through
the Football Foundation, to improve access to quality facilities across the country
with an additional £25m announced at Budget for this year as well. Inclusivity forms
a part of the assessment criteria for any application for funding from the Foundation,
with it being a core value of the organisation.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>However,
there is still progress to be made and the Government will continue to liaise closely
with the football authorities on their efforts to improve diversity in the sport.</p><p>
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