Youth Sport Trust, a children’s charity, is calling for a new national plan to address stagnating physical activity levels among children and young people in the UK. According to the Active Lives Children and Young People survey data released by Sport England, only 47.8% of children are meeting the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity.
The charity has highlighted several concerning trends, including the low levels of activity amongst children aged 7 to 9 years old, with only 41% meeting national targets. There are also significant inequalities, in Black and Asian children, who are often less likely to be active, with children from less affluent families and girls also falling behind.
Youth Sport Trust CEO Ali Oliver MBE emphasises the urgent need for action, calling for a new national plan guaranteeing daily physical activity opportunities for every child. Furthermore, Youth Sport Trust are calling for confirmed funding, targeted investment for underserved groups and a coordinated approach across government departments in favour of physical activity.
The charity warns that without immediate action, activity levels may decline further in the next 12 months. They urge the government to confirm funding for key programmes such as the School Games Organiser network, PE and Sport Premium for primary schools, and the Opening School Facilities programme.
To find out more, see here.
