Inequalities remain in children and young people’s activity levels
Sport England have published new data which analyses the participation in activity of children and young people during the last academic year.
The latest Active Lives report shows that activity levels during the 2023/24 academic year were stable and that 47.8% of children are taking part in an average of 60 minutes or more of sport and physical activity each day, in line with the Chief Medical Officers recommendation.
The report shows a continuation of inequalities in participation with 45% of girls participating in activity, compared to 51% of boys.
Children and young people from less affluent households continue to be less likely to be active. As do Black and Asian children and young people.
Commenting on the report, Tara Dillon, CEO of CIMSPA said,
“Today’s Active Lives report shows that whilst levels are stable, there is still a long way to go in encouraging increased physical activity in children and young people, across all communities but especially in those where there are greater barriers to participation.
Sport and physical activity participation can have such a significant impact on children and young people’s lives, from supporting physically healthy lifestyles to helping them make new friends and develop socially.
Helping children form healthy lifestyles will only encourage better physical and mental health and wellbeing throughout their lives.
Our sector workforce work incredibly hard to make participation in sport and physical activity as accessible and enjoyable as possible.
Talented and dedicated coaches and other sport and physical activity professionals are the conduit for getting more children to engage and more parents to realise the benefits of activity. This is why it’s so important that we continue working hard to increase the diversity of our workforce with professionals who know the challenges that communities face and how best to engage families.
At CIMSPA we’re proud to be working with a number of partners who are delivering a range of services for families who are facing significant challenges. These excellent organisations are not only helping children and young people get active, but they are also supporting with healthy eating, tackling anti-social behaviour and providing crucial life skills.
The work that is happening in local communities across the country is vital, and we must continue to build on those foundations.
We look forward to continue working with our partners and the government to break down the barriers to opportunity and make sport and physical activity more accessible for everyone, and for every stage of life.”