The National Lottery Open Week – join the celebration

As The National Lottery celebrates its 30th birthday, it’s amazing to think about how many communities across the UK have benefited from three decades of funding.

In particular, grassroots sport is one of the areas to have felt a big impact.

In recent years we've seen how sport brings people together, builds resilience and fosters a sense of community, and we’re proud that our funding has helped local clubs, cutting-edge facilities and innovative programmes to flourish.

Now, as part of  The National Lottery Open Week 2025, we want to invite sports clubs and organisations nationwide to join in, show appreciation to National Lottery players and make an even greater impact on local communities.

What is The National Lottery Open Week?

Running from 15 to 23 March 2025, The National Lottery Open Week is an opportunity for The National Lottery-funded venues, projects and clubs to thank players for the £30 million raised weekly for good causes.

By offering free entry, discounts, taster sessions or special events, these organisations can give back to the players whose ticket purchases make their work possible.

In 2024, over 500 funded venues across the UK participated in Open Week including Wembley stadium, who offered a discount on their stadium tours, and this year even more are encouraged to join!

For grassroots sports clubs, Open Week is also a chance to showcase their work and strengthen their connection with the community.

How to get involved

Getting involved in The National Lottery Open Week is easy – start by identifying an activity that best showcases what your club or project offers.

Consider hosting a 'come-and-try' session, offering an introductory lesson or even arranging a meet-and-greet with elite athletes that have a connection to your club or organisation.

Perhaps they played or trained with you at start of their career? Nothing better than for the community to know they share a space with someone who's made it to the top!

So if your club is connected to an athlete funded by The National Lottery, consider inviting them to participate.

For attendees, meeting a successful athlete can be incredibly inspiring, highlighting how The National Lottery funding supports athletes from grassroots to international levels.

Clubs representing all sports and activities – whether rugby, netball, gymnastics or judo, to name a few – are invited to participate.

This week is all about encouraging people to try something new and experience the benefits of joining a local sports community.

This initiative can also help clubs and organisations meet their own goals of expanding their reach and attracting new members, because if visitors enjoy their experience during Open Week, we think they’re more likely to consider returning as regular participants.

Be part of a national campaign

As part of The National Lottery Open Week, we’ll be launching a media campaign in February and March 2025 to promote participating clubs, venues and projects.

This push will target national, regional and digital media, increasing visibility for your club both locally and nationally so by participating, your club will become part of a nationwide celebration of The National Lottery funding impact on the sports sector.

At its core, The National Lottery Open Week is about connection and gratitude but as we’ve mentioned it’s also a valuable opportunity to attract new members, foster community bonds and celebrate the power of local sports to bring people together – a true win-win for both sport organisations and the communities they serve.

So join us for your club to become part of a movement that champions the value of grassroots sport across the country and its positive effect on the local communities.

How to register

Taking part in The National Lottery Open Week is so easy!

You can register online, where you’ll also find additional details, examples and inspiration to help your club make the most of this opportunity.

And if you have questions, feel free to reach out.

We can’t wait to celebrate Open Week with you and thank you to for the constant support from players across the country.