Playing to win

John Challinor, Publisher

This issue sees the start of a collaboration with Play England with the launch of PlayNation magazine – a publication dedicated exclusively to the increasingly important sector of play and physical activity for children and young people. As an industry voice for the sector at this important time, PlayNation will be an invaluable resource for all professionals involved in the provision, development and management of facilities as well exploring the policies that help to shape them.

We seem to be at a crucial juncture regarding play, and the vital role it has in helping young people lead more active and fulfilling lives while also combating childhood obesity and mental health issues - 53% of children have a mobile phone by the age of seven, spending hours in front of screens every day and one in six young people have mental health problems. Playing helps children burn calories, learn social and creative skills whilst discovering the world around them.

In addition to this, play is an important factor when it comes to sport, not just as a gateway activity but in making sport – and training – more fun and engaging. This leads to betterretention within the club setting and encourages creativity, flair and freedom of expression – skills and attributes worth encouraging. And, of course, children remaining within a sports club are more likely to carry on enjoying the health benefits of physical exercise through adulthood and fostering play, as well as an active lifestyle, in their own children. Probably the most important initiative relating to play at the moment is the Raising the Nation Play Commission. Chaired by social entrepreneur and author Paul Lindley in partnership with Anne Longfield CBE, who leads the Centre for Young Lives, the Commission aims to move play up the political agenda.

Crucially, it will develop a national play plan to shape future government policy by examining key issues. Supported by a national panel of experts and leaders together with a group of young advisors, the Play Commission wants to make play a central part of childhood again. The call for evidence closes at the end of October and full details can be found on the Centre For Young Lives website ([centreforyounglives.org.uk](https://centreforyounglives.org.uk/)). Let’s work together to give more children a chance to play.

John Challinor, Publisher

Tom Walker Editor T: +44 (0)7796 512769 E: [tom@sportsnation.org.uk](mailto:tom@sportsnation.org.uk)

John Challinor Publisher T: +44 (0)7971 043396 E: [john@sportsnation.org.uk](mailto:john@sportsnation.org.uk)

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