Early last month, Sport England released the results of the Active Lives Children and Young People Survey. The survey results found that post-pandemic, children and young people are reaching the same levels of activity seen as pre-pandemic.
Huw Edwards, CEO of ukactive, commended the hard work of ukactive members, schools, communities and families in reaching this goal. He commented on the clear link between physical activity and mental wellbeing, as well as the opportunities to diversify activity to maintain and increase levels of activity.
Huw Edwards added:
“Active play was one of the key drivers of the increase in activity levels – something which our members support inside and outside of the school day. Projects such as ukactive’s Open Doors initiative are key to promoting this in the long term, particularly in under-served communities.”
With rising energy prices, ukactive’s CEO warned of the impact on gyms, pools, leisure centres and schools. Schools, alongside the leisure and activity sectors, have seen large increases in energy bills. The dilapidation of swimming pools could also prove to have a devasting effect on current activity levels in 2023.
Hue Edwards added his support for extended holistic support to maintain the current standard of activity.
“ukactive continues to work closely with the Government in supporting children and young people’s activity, including the ‘Opening School Facilities’ and ‘Holiday Activities and Food’ programmes. But more needs to be done, such as providing long-term funding for the PE and School Sport Premium and ensuring inclusive physical activity is properly reflected in the school curriculum.”
To find out more, along with the results of the survey, see here.
