Increased support for grassroots sports organisations and an emphasis on local physical activity strategies are among the five "asks" for ministers ahead of this year’s General Election.

Launching its "to do list" for politicians, the Sports and Recreation Alliance (SRA) has highlighted five areas it has recognised as crucial for any incoming government to concentrate on.

The five items contained within the Raising the heartbeat of the nation — A five-step plan for a more active population publication are:

1. Support sport and recreation from the grassroots up, through a fair and sustainable CASC system, the creation of a sports betting right and automatic rate relief for clubs

2. Increased investment in Initial Teacher Training for primary school teachers to ensure high quality PE, sport and physical activity from the start of the educational journey

3. Every local authority to produce a robust and comprehensive strategy for physical activity opportunities in response to local needs

4. Keep the UK the home of world-class sport through major events legislation and dedicated resources to protect sporting integrity

5. A dedicated Minister for the Outdoors to deliver a coordinated strategy to maximise the full potential of the natural environment

Each point of importance was selected following a year-long consultation with national governing bodies of sport (NGBs).

At a launch event in London yesterday (18 February), Emma Boggis, CEO of the SRA, said the launch of the Ministers’ To-Do List is the beginning of a process which will see the alliance working with MPs' candidates and civil servants in the run-up to the election – and with the next government – to ensure that ministers understand the role sport and recreation can play in creating a fit and healthy society.

To download the Raising the heartbeat of the nation — A five-step plan for a more active population document, click here.