- New data from London Sport shows strong public support for removing outdated ‘No Ball Games’ signs
- ‘More Ball Games’ campaign calls for more active, playful, and connected neighbourhoods
Thursday 15 May 2025 – New polling from London Sport has revealed that outdated and restrictive ‘No Ball Games’ signs are under growing public scrutiny and are perceived to stifle children’s play, as well as hinder community connections.
The poll of over 4,000 adults by Opinium – including a boosted sample of over 500 Londoners – found that over half of Londoners (54%) can recall a ‘No Ball Games’ sign within five minutes of their home. The signs are disproportionately common in densely populated communities, often in areas where outdoor space is already limited.
While the issue can divide opinion, more Londoners support removing ‘No Ball Games’ signs near their homes (40%) than oppose it (31%). Londoners report that the signs:
– Result in fewer safe places for children to play outside (23%),
– Cause tensions between neighbours (11%),
– Mean people must travel further to be active (10%).
One respondent said that “Removing these signs could encourage more physical activity, social interaction, and a greater sense of community in public spaces.”
Those concerned about removing signs most often cite noise, damage to property, and safety as concerns. But, many still favour a more balanced solution, such as designated play zones or better-designed shared spaces that allow for supervised play. Another respondent suggested that “Each neighbourhood should have a ‘ball game zone’ where kids can safely play without disturbing others.”
London Sport’s ‘More Ball Games’ campaign launched earlier this year with the aim of taking down outdated ‘No Ball Games’ signs and unlocking the capital’s public spaces for play, movement, and community life.
Emily Robinson, CEO, London Sport, said: “For too long, ‘No Ball Games’ signs have acted as a visual symbol of restriction in the very places where we need freedom and play. In a city where many families don’t have access to gardens or private space, our streets, estates and green spaces must work harder for children and young people. This data shows people want change. London Sport is calling on local authorities to listen, review where these signs are doing more harm than good, and help create a more active, playful London.”
Poll respondents who support the removal of ‘No Ball Games’ sign cite reasons including helping children stay active, reducing screen time, and making it easier for parents to supervise children close to home.
“So my child doesn’t have to go further to play with his friends,” one Londoner said.
“Playing ball is healthier for kids than sitting at home on a computer,” said another.
With polling clearly showing that outdated signage is no longer fit for the needs of communities, London Sport is calling on policymakers and decision-makers, 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.
Join the More Ball Games movement and sign the petition.
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
– Polling was conducted by Opinium in April 2025 with a nationally representative sample of 4,000 UK adults aged 16+, including a London urban boost of 516 respondents.
– London Sport’s More Ball Games campaign launched in March 2025 to advocate for the removal of unnecessary ‘No Ball Games’ signs and champion the right to play and be active in public space.
About London Sport
London Sport is a charity helping all Londoners live longer, happier, healthier lives through being active.
As a strategic leader, advocate and convenor for London’s grassroots sport and physical activity sector, we collaborate with London’s local authorities and other organisations to ensure more equitable access to sport and physical activity.
As part of a national network of 43 Active Partnerships with a collective voice to influence nationally, our work aims to break the link between inactivity and inequality to improve health and wellbeing of those from the most deprived communities
For more information on London Sport, visit www.londonsport.org
