UK Sport and Sport England have released new research, showing that the number of people participating in sport in England is likely to fall by almost a million by 2026, unless positive action is taken to address the situation.

This study echoes the recent call by the British Heart Foundation for the government to address the growing levels of inactivity in adults and children, which is making the UK a "couch potato society".

Forum Response: Sport England

Trevor Brooking, the chairman of Sport England, told ePolitix.com: "This is a worrying trend that has major implications for the health of our nation. I'm confident that we can help reverse this trend through the development of sport facilities, creating environments for adults and children to become more actively involved in sport.

"Our new initiatives will ensure that we are reaching the areas of greatest need, giving people an equal opportunity to participate in sport. Nevertheless, it is still vital that the government, both central and local, places sport much higher on the nation's agenda."

Forum Response: New Opportunities Fund

Stephen Dunmore, chief executive of the New Opportunities Fund, told ePolitix.com: "The funding will enable the modernisation of schools facilities to provide every young person with a chance to take part in high quality sporting activities.

"By engaging young people in a range of physical activities they will not only have a healthier way of life, but will have the chance to develop team-working, communication and leaderships skills which will set them in good stead for other aspects of their life."