The London Playing Fields Foundation is a charity founded in 1890 by visionary Victorians who were concerned about the loss of green space in London and the need to provide sport and recreation for current and future generations. By protecting open space, playing fields can become the heart of local neighbourhoods and play a key role in creating healthier and happier communities.Once a playing field is lost it is lost forever. With one in three London children being obese or overweight the capital cannot afford to lose these vital green spaces. Playing sport does so much to enrich lives. It is a universal language that tackles discrimination, brings diverse communities together and has the power to encourage young people to join teams not gangs and that is what makes the London Playing Fields Foundation so indispensable.