About us
Who We Are
The Federation of Sports and Play Associations (FSPA) is the national trade body responsible for representing 17 associations and 400+ member companies in the sports and play industries.
Formed in 1919 and formally incorporated in 1926, the Federation has a long history of serving the industry and in 2009 celebrated it's 90th anniversary.
The FSPA is the voice of the UK sports and play industry, as it is ideally positioned at the very heart of the trade.
Uniting industry our mission is:
"To work in partnership to represent and promote expertise on behalf of UK sports and play businesses"
Our Aims
- To represent 17 associations across the sports and play sectors
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To provide over 400 member companies with a valuable and unique service
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To act as the voice of the UK sports and play industries
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To liaise with UK Government and the EU Commission on all legislative issues directly affecting association members.
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To promote expertise on behalf of UK sports and play businesses
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To work in partnership with UK Government Partners, Governing Bodies and National Associations on behalf of member companies.
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To actively lobby government on matters affecting its associations as and before they arise in the UK
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To remain at the forefront of strategic thinking in Whitehall and Brussels as members of both FESI and FEPI
Our Member Companies
The FSPA membership base spanning17 associations in the sports, play, golf and angling sectors consists of over 400 UK manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors of sports and play equipment and apparel, and includes a number of the UK’s major sports brands.
This impressive membership base contributes a collective £3.1bn turnover to the UK economy and employs some 15,000+ employees.
What We Do
Developing Partnerships
The FSPA is committed, on behalf of its members, to forging lasting partnerships and relationships with key bodies in UK sport, and in 2009/2010 developed a new exciting partnerships with Sport England's County Sports Partnership Network (CSPN).
Lobbying
The FSPA has official status as a lobbying organisation in the EU parliament in Brussels, which means it has power beyond any private business, and as a trade body it works for the good of the industry as a whole rather than any single private interest.
The FSPA is an active member of the Federation of European Sporting Goods Industry (FESI) who work alongside UK partners such as NGB’s, CSP’s and government departments. The FSPA's play manufacturer association the Association of Play Industries (API) is an active member of the Federation of the European Play Industry (FEPI).
Export
The FSPA is also an Accredited Trade Organisation (ATO) which enables the organisation to work closely with UK Trade & Investment to assist UK companies in gaining TAP export grants and to attend overseas trade exhibitions.
The FSPA administers these grants along with fronting and managing dedicated UK Pavilions at a number of overseas shows. The FSPA currently holds ATO status and attends: ISPO - sports show, Golf Europe - golf show, EFTTEX - angling show, PGA Merchandise Show - golf show.
Research
The FSPA works with the British Chamber of Commerce Market Export Research Scheme to commission key detailed research on 
behalf of UK member companies.
www.sportsandplay.com