Active Lives Children and Young People research, an ‘urgent wake-up call’

Responding to Sport England’s Active Lives Children and Young People report, Youth Sport Trust Chief Executive Ali Oliver said:

“This research should serve as an urgent wake-up call for anyone who cares about young people’s wellbeing. It confirms what we have known for some time and cuts to the heart of YST’s mission - too many young people are missing out on the life-changing benefits of sport and play, particularly girls and those from less affluent backgrounds.

“The absence of a gap between activity levels of young people and young disabled people is an encouraging sign of what can be achieved. But when fewer than one in five young people are meeting the recommended 60 minutes every day, it is clear that much more needs to be done.

“Beyond the worrying news about participation, the association this research reveals between physical activity and young people’s mental wellbeing, resilience and personal development must not be lost. Young people who are active are more likely to feel happy.

“Through a combination of the digital age, changing lifestyles and a worrying decline in Physical Education the odds are stacked against young people enjoying the benefits of an active lifestyle. Our own research has shown that 38% of English secondary schools cut the amount of PE on the timetable in the five years after 2012.

“We need a radical shift in our approach to Physical Education and youth sport and a long-term, joined-up and ambitious approach to unlocking the benefits of sport and play for all young people. This must be the aim of the School Sport and Activity Action Plan due to be published by government next year.

“The annual publication of this research by Sport England is an important step forward in gaining a true picture of young people’s engagement in sport and physical activity. We look forward to exploring this data in more detail and would urge government, local authorities and schools to act on the challenges highlighted in this report.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. Sport England’s Active Lives Children and Young People survey is the largest ever of its kind and gives comprehensive insight into how children in England are taking part in sport and physical activity, both in and out of school. More details here.
2. The Youth Sport Trust is a children’s charity working to ensure every child enjoys the life-changing benefits that come from play and sport. It has more than 20 years of expertise in pioneering new ways of using sport to improve children’s wellbeing and give them a brighter future.  The charity works with more than 20,000 schools across the UK and operates on a local, national and global level. It harnesses the power of sport, physical activity and PE to build life skills, connections between people and support networks which increase life chances through greater attainment, improved wellbeing and healthier lifestyles.