- Sports clothing and equipment costs £54
on average per child
- Kids take up three sports on average
per school year
- British kids are the most likely to
take up swimming, football and running this school
year
CHILDREN are taking up new sports this school year which is
increasing the price of back to school as parents fork out for
sports clothing and equipment, according to new
research.
A survey of more than 7,600 UK adults published
by Decathlon in
the Decathlon Activity Index 2018,
shows that parents spend £54 on average on sports clothing and
equipment per child, ahead of the new school year.
In fact, 86% of those surveyed said that their keen
kids will take up a new sport this year at school.
The research shows how the cost correlates to the
amount of sports kids take up, with children picking up three
sports on average per school year.
Even more surprisingly, more than 1 in 7 (29%) said
that their child will take up five or more sports when school
resumes this September.
When quizzed on the sports and physical activities
their children intend to take part in during the new academic
year, the majority of respondents cite swimming and football as
activities their child will take part in.
This was closely followed by running with more than 1
in 5 intending to take part in this form of exercise during the
new school year.
Tennis was also a popular sport that children intend
to pick up, coming in fourth place.
Fitness rounded off the list of the top five sports
and forms of exercise a child intends to get involved with at the
start of the new school year.
Philippe Rebelo, UK marketing director at
Decathlon commented: “It is clear that back to school is an
expensive time for many parents, but the research shows just how
much is spent on sports clothing and equipment alone. This
highlights just how quickly the cost of back to school can mount
up for parents, especially if you have more than one child in
school.
Rebelo continued: “However, it is important to get children
to take part in sports ay school, so they can form healthier
lifestyles and help grow their team building skills. There are
also plenty of affordable options on the market for parents to
choose from and ensure their kids are kitted out for a variety of
sports and activities at school, so that youngsters don’t miss
out.”
Top 10 Sports or Forms of Exercise Kids Plan
to Take Part in During the New Academic
Year
-
Swimming – 38%
-
Football – 38%
-
Running – 20%
-
Tennis – 17%
-
Fitness – 16%
-
Athletics – 16%
-
Gymnastics – 14%
-
Dance – 14%
-
Cycling – 14%
-
Karate – 14%
The Decathlon Activity Index tracks rates of
participation in sport and other physical activities across the
year through a monthly, national survey.
Decathlon has 42 stores in the UK and sells a variety
of sports equipment, clothing and accessories perfect for those
want to get active or excel their performance.
