Episode 12 - Community sport: a force for good in the UK and beyond
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Summary
In this episode, Ollie is joined by Tom Williams - one of the driving forces behind parkrun’s growth from just a handful of events, to a global movement spanning thousands of locations. Together they explore the simple but powerful formula at the heart of parkrun’s success: being outdoors, being active and being social - and why that combination speaks to something deeply human.
Tom reflects on the importance of simplicity, consistency and bold vision in scaling ideas that genuinely improve lives. The conversation then moves to his new venture, Participate World, where he and co-founder Chris Lomax are championing community sport as both a grassroots health intervention and a powerful tool for global good.
From supporting emerging community sport leaders to contributing to the UK’s sport diplomacy strategy, Tom makes the case that community sport is one of the country’s most undervalued strengths, and one with extraordinary potential.
Takeaways
Human beings have an innate need to be outdoors, active and social.
parkrun succeeded because it combined simplicity and consistency.
Clear frameworks, with non-negotiable principles, enable scale.
People often come for fitness but stay for community and purpose.
Volunteering can have as much impact on wellbeing as participation.
Mission matters - and should guide everyday decision-making.
Community sport extends far beyond traditional competitive pathways.
Supporting leaders to believe in their ideas is crucial for sustainable impact.
Sport can act as a form of diplomacy and a force for global good.
Community sport may be one of the UK’s most undervalued exports.
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