Across London - and the UK -outdated 'No Ball Games' signs continue to restrict children, young people, and communities from being active. These signs - commonly placed in council-owned housing developments and public spaces—send a damaging message: play is not welcome. 

The benefits of having access to outdoor spaces for physical activity and play are well documented. It not only promotes a healthier lifestyle by encouraging exercise and other outdoor activities, but it also improves quality of life and wellbeing, increases social interaction, and contributes to a stronger community. 

However, ‘No Ball Games’ signs are a symbol of reinforced inequalities and make it even harder for young people to participate in play and physical activity. Action is needed to ensure that children and young people—regardless of their background, household income or postcode—have access to free spaces where they can play, move, and be active close to home. 

 

The facts highlight some stark truths 📊:
⚠️ Over half of young Londoners don’t meet recommended activity levels, with lower-income communities disproportionately impacted by restricted access to sport, play and physical activity.

⚠️ Over 7,000 ‘No Ball Games’ signs remain across London alone — limiting play, movement, and opportunity for over 560,000 children and young people in the capital!  

⚠️ Every ‘No Ball Games’ sign removed helps 80 children be more active and play outside. 

 

WHAT NEXT?! 

This isn’t just about sport – it’s about tackling individual and systemic barriers to physical activity and play in London and the rest of the country. 

Removing these signs is just the first step. We must drive a culture shift that places play, sport and movement at the heart of healthy childhoods, thriving communities, and public wellbeing. Play is not a luxury—it is a necessity for every child’s development, happiness, and future success.

SO, we are calling on policymakers and decision-makers in London and Westminster, local authorities and housing associations to:

✅ Take down ‘No Ball Games’ signs and actively promote play as a fundamental right, alongside the benefits of being active.
✅ Reimagine public spaces so they are open, inclusive, and accessible for all forms of play. 
✅ Engage in the debate and commit to removing systemic barriers to play, sport and physical activity, particularly in disadvantaged communities.

 

💬 Sign the petition today to demand action. Together, we can create a future where everyone—no matter their postcode—has the right to play, move, and thrive, and in turn lead longer, healthier and happier lives through being active.

 

You can read more about London Sport's work here: https://londonsport.org/

You can support London Sport directly by donating here: https://www.justgiving.com/london-sport