As experts in sports and play, we are the voice of the industry. Our mission is to support our sports and play members to achieve their aims.
Through our trade associations, we offer a wide range of key business services to our members and a powerful lobbying voice.
What we do
As the national trade body representing multiple associations, the FSPA serves the interests of manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors of sports and play equipment, clothing and apparel.
With nearly 100 years at the heart of the sports and play sector and as the largest trade body in Europe, we work with our members to promote the industry.
Our aims are to
Support our sports and play companies with vital and unique business services
Promote the UK sports and play sector as a whole
Represent –we are the voice of the UK sports and play industries
Lobby at the highest levels on issues affecting our members
Collaborate with key partner agencies and government on behalf of the industry
How it works
The FSPA is an umbrella body which leads and supports its associations. These associations cover businesses involved in the play industry, sporting goods trade and the golf sector. This means that member companies get services which are tailored to their specific industry’s needs.
Businesses are first and foremost members of their association with all the customised benefits and support that provides, but they also get automatic membership of the FSPA which offers a broader range of services and lobbying activity.
“Being a member of the API gives us a distinct advantage over our non-member competitors. The API is the only dedicated UK play trade association and Local Authorities stipulate that companies must be a member of a trade body as part of the scoring system in their tender processes. We’ve won contracts because we’re API members.”
Mark Grace
HAGS
“The API works hard to promote its members and share good news stories on their website, social media and newsletters. The website has a dedicated section for members’ news and they make sure that customers know the advantages of choosing an API member.”
Barry Leahey MBE
Playdale Playgrounds
“The part the BGIA played in campaigning for the safe return of golf during the Covid-19 pandemic cannot be underestimated. The BGIA were key, resulting in a massive boost for the game and BGIA members. Representing the whole golf industry, the BGIA empowers members to contribute to industry discussions, confident in the knowledge that the BGIA is an influential member of the APPG for Golf.”
Paul Hitchenor
TMaG Europe, Brand Director
“The BGIA has provided us with a wide range of networking, business benefits and events that meet the needs of our organisation. The offer has evolved significantly over the past 12 months and provided the members with a collective voice within the industry during challenging times as well as a platform for proactive endeavours to support the future of the game.”
Matthew Johnson
Acushnet Europe, General Manager
“We make regular use of the BGIA website. The members’ area provides me with essential support for my business including access to industry statistics, research, legislative news, lobbying activities and a raft of other resources. It’s one of my first ports-of-call when I need the latest golf industry information or support.”
The FSPA is the umbrella body serving our trade associations in the UK sports and play industries. With over 100 years’ experience, our expertise means we are the voice of these industries and campaign on their behalf. Our mission is to support our sports and play businesses to achieve their aims. Through our trade associations, we offer a wide range of key business services to our members and a powerful lobbying voice.
Each of our associations are experts in their specific sector and offer members a wide range of free or discounted business benefits and services tailored to their industry. From events and networking to human resources, industry data to support with marketing – our associations’ benefits package can instantly cover the cost of membership. Visit your association’s site to find out more.
Our close links with UK Government and our European counterparts means we are uniquely placed to lobby on behalf of the industries we represent. Covering Brexit, Covid-19 legislation, standards, exporting and much more, our lobbying activities are focussed solely on our members’ needs. Over the years, we have effected changes which have directly benefitted the sports and play industries and the businesses we represent.
By joining an FSPA association, you become part of a unique community focussed entirely on your sector’s needs. Each association tailors their services to their particular industry. As such, you will become a valued member of your particular association, with the additional peace-of-mind that comes from knowing that your association is part of something much bigger – the FSPA.
If your business is covered by one of our associations in the sports and play industries, you may be eligible to join. Our associations cover sporting goods, PE and leisure, golf and play. You can find links to all of our associations here and each site has a Join Us page.
