ABSTRACT
The structures for delivering sport and leisure within the UK are complex, falling into four broad sectors: local government, education (schools, Further Education and Higher Education establishments), the voluntary sector made up of clubs and national governing bodies and the private sector – the most obvious example of which is the health and fitness industry (DCMS/Strategy Unit, 2002). Of these four sectors, known as the mixed economy of sport and leisure, the contribution made by local authorities is substantial and they are recognised as being:
key providers and enablers of sport and recreation services to local communities, working in partnership with the voluntary and private sectors. They are the biggest providers of sport facilities and provide opportunities through sports development teams and officers who work with the voluntary sector, schools and community.
