New Research Highlights Digital Barriers To Getting Active

New research from Good Things Foundation and Sport England highlights how digital exclusion is becoming an increasingly important barrier to taking part in sport and physical activity.

The report, Digital inclusion and physical activity: insights and recommendations from user research, explores how digital access, confidence and online experiences shape people’s ability to get active, from finding information about local opportunities to booking sessions and using fitness apps.

Researchers found that digital barriers are often hidden obstacles to participation. These include difficulties affording internet access or suitable devices, low digital confidence, concerns around online safety, and inaccessible or confusing booking systems.

The study draws on research carried out between October 2025 and January 2026 with people experiencing digital exclusion, including older people, disabled people, people with long-term health conditions and those on low incomes.

Among the findings, the report notes that:

• 67% of people now use digital tools to find information about sport and physical activity
• 52% use digital tools to book activities
• Many people still struggle with affordability, online confidence or navigating digital systems.

The report identifies four main digital barriers affecting participation:

• Access to devices and connectivity
• Digital skills and confidence
• Trust and safety online
• User experience and accessibility of platforms.

Researchers also found that trusted local organisations and community hubs can play a vital role in helping people overcome these barriers, particularly where support combines digital inclusion, social connection and physical activity opportunities.

The report calls on organisations across the sport and physical activity sector to better understand the digital needs of the people they support, improve the accessibility of online platforms, maintain non-digital routes to information and booking, and strengthen place-based partnerships with health, community and voluntary sector organisations.

Jo Reynolds, Research and Evaluation Lead at Good Things Foundation, said the findings show how “no one is left behind” when it comes to both getting online and getting active.

The findings contribute to wider discussions around digital inclusion, health inequalities and access to services, particularly for groups already facing barriers to participation in physical activity. While the report is national in scope, many of the issues raised including connectivity, affordability and access to local opportunities reflect the day-to-day challenges for those living in rural and coastal communities across the country.

Find out more and read the full report here.