🏅🤝 Sport, a lever for cohesion and territorial attractiveness: Discover the 10 concrete proposals from CNOSF to strengthen the alliance between municipalities and the sports movement. A plea to make sport a municipal priority, serving health, education, and inclusion.

Source: 📒 Making sport a major municipal cause. For a new sports pact between municipalities and the sports movement📜🔗LINK

Consult other proposals to candidates -https://pratiquesensante.odoo.com/blog/politiques-10/tour-dhorizon-des-propositions-aux-candidats-elections-municipales-2026-france-5589

At the heart of the subject 

Analytical summary 

Context and issues: Sport, a common good under pressure

The document from the CNOSF, published in November 2025, is set against a backdrop of weakening sports budgets for local authorities (43% report a decrease in 2025) and major societal challenges: sedentary lifestyles, inequalities in access, an ageing population, and an increased need for social connection. Nevertheless, sport remains a pillar of local life: 17.2 million licensed participants, 162,000 clubs, and an economic impact of 68 billion euros (2.6% of GDP). Local authorities, the primary funders of sport in France (12.3 billion euros), are facing difficult budgetary decisions, risking the marginalisation of sport in favour of other priorities. The advocacy highlights that sport is a profitable social investment (1 euro invested = 13 euros saved in health and cohesion), but also a key tool in combating school dropout, isolation, and discrimination.

Operational contributions: 10 proposals for a territorial sports pact

The CNOSF proposes an action plan structured around 10 proposals, aimed at:

• Strengthening children's access to sportthrough school-club links and solidarity pricing (Proposal 1).
• Modernising facilitiesthrough a "SportRenov" partnership with the Bank of Territories and better sharing of infrastructure (Proposal 2).
• Consulting on sports standardsto avoid blockages related to federal requirements (Proposal 3).
• Integrating sport into urban planning(PLU, SCOT) and development projects (Proposal 4).
• Enhancing the attractiveness of territoriesthrough sporting events and promoting local athletes (Proposal 5).
• Create synergies between clubs and businesses(sponsorship, skills) (Proposal 6).
• Support volunteeringthrough training and increased recognition (Proposal 7).
• Anchor sport in Local Health Contractsto make it a pillar of prevention (Proposal 8).
• Make clubs actors of inclusion(gender equality, seniors, disability) (Proposal 9).
• Deploy Local Sports Projects (PSL)as a tool for coordinated planning (Proposal 10).

The document is based on recent studies (INJEP, ANDES, Court of Auditors) and good territorial practices to offer pragmatic solutions, without increasing expenses but with better coordination of actors.

Key points

1. Sport, a profitable social investment: Every euro invested generates up to 13 euros in savings in health and social cohesion (p. 7).
2. 43% of municipalities are reducing their sports budget in 2025(ANDES Barometer, p. 5), threatening access for all.
3. 17.2 million licensed participantsin 2024 (+25% since 2002), but persistent territorial inequalities (p. 4).
4. Clubs depend on municipal grants for 75%(p. 4), with an average budget of €52,700 per year.
5. The "sport reflex" in urban planning: Systematically integrate sports facilities into development projects (p. 18).
6. Volunteering in crisis: 86% of clubs operate without employees, with an urgent need for training and recognition (p. 24).
7. Underutilised sport-health: Only 550 Sport-Health Houses exist in 2024, while 30% of men and 40% of women do not engage in enough physical activity (p. 26).
8. Seniors and women underrepresented: 14% of licensed participants are over 60 years old, and 38.9% are women (p. 28).

Action points

1. Establish "Club Days at School"to facilitate children's registration (p. 12).
2. Use the Data ES platformto identify under-equipped areas and prioritise investments (p. 14).
3. Sign tripartite agreements(municipality-school-club) to open school facilities outside of class hours (p. 15).
4. Create a "Volunteers' Circle"at the town hall to assess needs and direct volunteers (p. 24).
5. Integrate sport into Local Health Contractsby relying on CDOS for a territorial diagnosis (p. 26).
6. Label clubs as "inclusive"to accelerate the welcome of people with disabilities (p. 29).
7. Deploy Local Sports Projects (PSL)with methodological support from ANDES (p. 30).

Other references

1. INJEP – Annual licenses of sports federations in 2024
2.  ANDES – Sports Budget Barometer 2025 of local authorities
3.  National Sport-Health Strategy 2025–2030 | sports.gouv.fr
4.  Physical activity and sedentariness in the population in France – Summary 2024

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Cross-sectional analysis

The benchmarks - 📜🔗LINK

Cross-sectional analysis according to the values of Health Practices

• Literacy: The document offers accessible tools (e.g. Data ES platform) but remains technical for non-experts.
• Empowerment: Beneficiaries (youth, seniors, people with disabilities) are involved through initiatives such as "Engaged Sports Clubs" (p. 28).
• Participation: Co-construction of PSL with local stakeholders (p. 30).
• Community health: The Sport-Health Houses and CLS integrate a collective dimension (p. 26).
• Ethics: Cultural and social biases are identified (e.g. gender inequalities, p. 28).
• Human rights: Inclusive approach (disability, precariousness) but little focus on ethnic discrimination.
• Intersectorality: Recommended partnerships with ARS, CAF, and businesses (p. 22).
• Combating discrimination: Mention of access inequalities, but no in-depth analysis of systemic discrimination.

Summary: The advocacy meets the criteria of Health Practices by promoting inclusion and participation, but could strengthen the analysis of discrimination and the simplicity of tools for vulnerable audiences.

Assessment of the reliability of the resource

• Cited sources: INJEP studies, ANDES, Court of Auditors, and recent ministerial data (2024-2025).
• Methodology: Consultation of 120 stakeholders (federations, elected officials, experts) and analysis of 50 studies.
• Current Affairs: Post-2024 Olympic Games data and projections for 2026/2030.
• Limitations: Little focus on ethnic discrimination or overseas territories.

Multiple Choice Questions

Part 1: Questions

Question 1: What is the total amount of sports expenditure by municipalities and intermunicipalities in 2025? a) €5.8 billion b) €8.7 billion c) €12.3 billion d) €17.2 billion

Question 2: Which proposal aims to facilitate children's access to sport through a 4pm school finish? a) Proposal 2 (Facilities) b) Proposal 1 (One student, one club) c) Proposal 5 (Attractive territory) d) Proposal 7 (Volunteering)

Question 3: Which tool helps identify under-equipped areas in sports infrastructure? a) The PSL b) The Data ES platform c) The CLS d) The PEdT

Question 4: What percentage of sports clubs operate without employees in France? a) 50% b) 63% c) 75% d) 86%

Question 5: Which scheme aims to integrate 150,000 people distanced from employment through sport since 2022? a) Sports-Health Houses b) Committed Sports Clubs c) Skills sponsorship d) Active & Sportive City label

Part 2: Commented Correction

Question 1 : ✅ Correct answer: c) €12.3 billion📝 Explanation: This figure includes €8.7 billion from municipalities and €3.6 billion from EPCI (p. 4).

Question 2 : ✅ Correct answer: b) Proposal 1 (One student, one club)📝 Explanation: The 4pm exit is a lever to organise shuttles to the clubs (p. 12).

Question 3 : ✅ Correct answer: b) The Data ES platform📝 Explanation: Tool from the Ministry of Sports for territorial planning (p. 14).

Question 4 : ✅ Correct answer: d) 86 %📝 Explanation: Figure from INJEP, highlighting dependence on volunteering (p. 24).

Question 5 : ✅ Correct answer: b) Engaged Sports Clubs📝 Explanation: Scheme led by France Travail, with a 50% return to employment (p. 28).

Frequently asked questions

1. Why are municipalities reducing their sports budgets?

   • Tight budgetary context (43% decrease in 2025) and competing priorities (security, housing) (p. 5).

2. How to finance the renovation of facilities without increasing expenses?

   • Through the "SportRenov" partnership with the Bank of Territories (subsidised loans) (p. 14).

3. What are the barriers to sports participation for seniors?

   • Lack of information, unsuitable schedules, overly competitive offerings (p. 8).

4. How to involve local businesses in sports?

   • Skills sponsorship, in-kind contributions, or incentives for employee engagement (p. 22).

5. What is a Local Sports Project (PSL)?

   • Tool for concerted planning between local authorities and the sports movement (diagnosis, PPI, governance) (p. 30).

6. How can clubs welcome more women?

   • Reserve time slots, adapt changing rooms, and promote exemplary clubs (p. 28).

7. What role do CDOS play in implementing the proposals?

   • Methodological support, training, and evaluation of actions (p. 26).

Easy to read and understand

Sport for all in cities How can mayors and clubs work together?

Analytical summary in easy-to-read format

Why is this document important?

In France, sport is very important for:

• Health.
• The connection between people.
• The education of children.

But today, many cities have less money for sport. This can prevent people from participating in sport.

This document explains10 ideasso that:

• Children can play sport near their homes.
• Sports facilities are in good condition.
• Everyone can participate in sport, including elderly or disabled people.

What does this document propose?

The CNOSF (French National Olympic and Sports Committee) provides10 solutionsto help cities and clubs to:

1. Introduce children to sportat school.
2. Repair sports facilitieswith the help of the Bank of Territories.
3. Open school gymnasiumsto clubs after classes.
4. Involve businessesto help the clubs.
5. Train and thank the volunteerswho keep the clubs running.
6. Create sports-health centresso that sport is good for health.
7. Welcome everyonein the clubs: women, seniors, disabled people.

These ideas arewithout spending more money, but byworking better together.

Key points in easy-to-read language

1. Cities spend 12 billion euros a year on sport.

   • That’s a lot of money, but some cities spend less.

2. Clubs need help.

   • 86% of clubs operate thanks to volunteers.
   • Many clubs have financial problems.

3. Sport is good for health.

   • Moving for 30 minutes a day is important for:

     • The heart.
     • Mental well-being.
     • Concentration at school.

4. Children must be able to play sports.

   • Schools and clubs must work together.
   • Example: Organise a "Clubs Day" at school.

5. Sports facilities must be open to all.

   • School gymnasiums can be used by clubs in the evening.
   • Cities can repair facilities with funding.

6. Volunteers are very important.

   • Without them, clubs cannot operate.
   • They need to be trained and thanked.

7. Sport should be for everyone.

   • Women, seniors, and people with disabilities should be able to participate in sport easily.

Action points for local stakeholders (in easy-to-read language)

1. Organise a day to introduce clubs to children.

   • At school, during the "Olympic Week".

2. Open school gymnasiums to clubs.

   • After classes, in the evening or at the weekend.

3. Create a group of volunteers in the city.

   • To help clubs that are short on members.

4. Form partnerships with businesses.

   • Businesses can:

     • Donate money.
     • Lend equipment.
     • Encourage their employees to help the clubs.

5. Create a "Sport-Health House."

   • A place where doctors can recommend sport for health.

6. Adapt clubs for women and seniors.

   • Example:

     • Different schedules.
     • Accessible changing rooms.

7. Use the "Local Sports Project" (PSL).

   • A plan to organise sport in the city with:

     • Clubs.
     • Schools.
     • Doctors.