About us
At a Glance
The Federation of Sports and Play Associations (FSPA) is the national trade body responsible for representing 18 associations and approximately 600 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. As the voice of the industry, the FSPA is ideally positioned at the very heart of the trade.
Mission
To work in partnership to represent and promote expertise on behalf of UK sports and play businesses
Our Aims
- Represent 18 associations across the sports and play sectors
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Provide approximately 600 member companies with a valuable and unique service
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Act as the voice of the UK sports and play industries
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Liaise with UK Government and the EU Commission on all legislative issues directly affecting association members.
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Promote expertise on behalf of UK sports and play businesses
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Work in partnership with UK Government Partners, Governing Bodies and National Associations on behalf of member companies.
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Actively lobby government on matters affecting its associations as and before they arise in the UK
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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 spanning 18 associations in the sports, play, golf and angling sectors consists of almost 600 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 Federation, on behalf of its members, has strategic partnerships with Sport & Recreation Alliance (formerly CCPR) Youth Sport Trust, Sport England, as well as open dialogue with DCMS and BIS Government departments. In 2009/10 the FSPA forged a new and exciting partnership with the County Sports Partnership Network providing members with opportunities to work with Sport England's vital County Sports Partnership's (CSP's).
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). The Federation has also strengthened its relationship with the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI).