Our mission
All To Play For is a charitable fund dedicated to widening access to the transformative power of sport. Remembering two inspirational champions of grassroots sport - Nick Ganodn and Simon Prodger - we exist to break down the barriers to participation so that more children get a sporting chance.
sport is too often the preserve of the privileged few.
Sport has the power to change lives. It builds confidence, teaches teamwork, boosts health, and creates friendships that last a lifetime. But right now, access to those benefits is not shared equally.
Who gets to play is too often decided by privilege. Children from the wealthiest families are nearly twice as likely to take part in regular organised sport than those from the least well-off backgrounds.
This inequality matters – for individuals and for society. Sport is not just “play.” The evidence is clear:
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Educational benefits – young people who participate in sport are more likely to attend school regularly, achieve higher grades, and develop key skills like problem-solving, leadership, and perseverance.
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Personal and emotional wellbeing – sport improves self-esteem, reduces anxiety, and supports positive mental health. It teaches how to handle setbacks and work towards goals.
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Life chances – the teamwork, discipline, and communication skills gained through sport boost employability and help young people thrive beyond the pitch or court.
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Social impact – communities with strong grassroots sport have lower crime rates, greater social trust, and higher levels of civic participation.
But right now, too many are locked out. When children are excluded from sport, we lose not just potential athletes, but potential leaders, problem-solvers, and engaged citizens.
All To Play For exists to change that. We fund innovative projects that give disadvantaged children and young people - in the UK and abroad - the chance to experience the transformative power of sport – whatever their family income, background, or postcode.
Because every child deserves a sporting chance.
HOW WE OPERATE
All To Play For is a charitable fund hosted by the Philanthropy Foundation, and established in memory of Nick Gandon and Simon Prodger. The fund exists to carry forward their shared belief that sport should be open to all, not just the privileged few.
In their spirit, we support projects that:
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Open doors for those in need – particularly, though not exclusively, young people under 25 who face barriers such as poverty, homelessness, addiction or refugee status.
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Have a grassroots ethos – rooted in local communities, whether in the UK or overseas, with the power to transform lives and strengthen neighbourhoods.
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Exhibit innovation – trying new approaches, testing fresh ideas, and offering learning that can reach beyond the immediate project.
By funding projects true to Simon and Nick’s values, we aim to honour their legacy and extend the opportunities they championed to future generations.