We spoke with Sport and Recreation Alliance CEO Lisa Wainwright MBE to learn more about what inspired the organisation to host this landmark event and what it hopes to achieve for the future of women and girls in sport.

What motivated your organisation to host this global event?

The Sport and Recreation Alliance’s role in leading the UK Secretariat for the International Working Group on Women and Sport (IWG) and hosting the 2026 Global Summit represented far more than the delivery of a world-class international event. It was a strategic investment, made on behalf of our members, in the future of sport and recreation across the UK.

Through the support, commitment and engagement of our members, the Alliance was able to position the UK at the centre of the global conversation on gender equality in sport. In doing so, we have strengthened not only our international reputation, but also our collective capability to lead change across the sector.”

The value of the IWG Global Summit cannot be measured solely by the three days in Birmingham or the 950 plus delegates who participated. Its true value lies in the capability it has built, the credibility it has established, the relationships it has strengthened and the opportunities it has created for every member of the Sport and Recreation Alliance.

This was a collective investment in leadership, learning and influence. It has enhanced the Alliance’s standing as a trusted convenor on the international stage while providing members with knowledge, partnerships and practical insight that will continue to shape policy, governance and participation for years to come. Most importantly, it has reinforced the role of sport and recreation as a powerful force for advancing gender equality – supporting government ambitions, strengthening our sector and improving the lives of women and girls across the UK and beyond.

What role should grassroots sport play in creating lasting change for women and girls in sport? 

Grassroots sport is where lasting change begins. National governing bodies and our members are the ones who turn ambition into action by creating inclusive opportunities for women and girls, developing coaches, officials and volunteers, setting high standards of governance, supporting lifelong participation and building pathways from grassroots to elite sport. While elite athletes inspire the next generation, local clubs create the everyday opportunities that build confidence, develop skills and foster a lifelong love of being active.

By ensuring women and girls have equal access to welcoming, inclusive environments, grassroots sport not only increases participation but also develops the next generation of coaches, officials and leaders. If we want meaningful and sustainable progress, investing in grassroots sport must remain a priority.