ukactive launches ‘Next Generation’ strategy

Physical activity industry body, ukactive, has launched its ‘Next Generation’ strategy for investing in the future of children and young people’s physical activity levels. The strategy will seek to better understand the needs and demands of children and young people to support operators in encouraging participation in physical activity, as well ensuring children and young people are welcomed safely into facilities. It will also seek to foster greater collaboration with industry partners to strengthen connections with schools and wider community provision, as well as supporting existing partner calls, including those from the Youth Sport Trust on the elevation of PE in school.

The launch of the strategy coincides with the publication of research by ukactive which shows how 40% of children want to be more physically active than they currently are – but some report spending six hours a day glued to their devices when not at school.

Based on a survey of more than 1,000 children and young people aged seven to 14, conducted with kids and family insight agency, Beano Brain, the research also showed how more than half of young people (53%) are using screens for more than three hours each day when not in school, with almost a quarter (24%) of 11 to 14-year-olds spending more than six hours a day on devices.

Almost a third (30%) of children and young people said they prefer to be physically active but not as part of a competition.

Girls in particular said being active with people they knew was very important (69%). They also valued having a supportive coach (51%).

Wanting to be more active

Encouragingly, only 26% of children sampled said they’d want to be on a screen, over taking part in physical activity and 40% said that they want to be more physically active than they currently are.

The research also shows that spending time on screens increases as children get older, but their time being active does not. Over a third (35%) say they do just half an hour or less of activity a day (outside of school time), with one in 10 saying they do just a few minutes. The Chief Medical Officers’ guidelines for children aged five to 18 recommend at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity a day.

The survey also asked children and young people what helps them enjoy physical activity.

Our Next Generation strategy will help our members to engage one million more children in the UK by 2030

In their responses, the young people responded as follows: l Doing physical activity with friends or people I know – 63% l Wearing my own choice of clothes – 49% l When the coach or teacher is friendly and supportive – 46% l When it’s not too serious – 43% l Being in a place I am familiar with – 42%

Additionally, almost a third (30%) of children and young people said they prefer to be physically active but not as part of a competition. Overall, 34% of children and young people said having someone organise physical activity properly helps them to enjoy it more.

Huw Edwards, CEO of ukactive, said: “Children and young people are telling us they want to be more active and that they really value fun and varied activities in familiar, supported environments. As sedentary screen time and mental health issues grow, the government must take a new policy approach if it is to help create a generation of happy, healthy children focusing on the essential role of our nation’s gyms, pools and leisure centres in helping the health and wellbeing of the youngest in our society. Our Next Generation strategy will help our members to engage one million more children and young people across the UK by 2030, with updated guidance and regular insights to improve our services.”

Stephanie Peacock, Sports Minister, said: “Grassroots sport has the potential to transform lives, which is why we are building and upgrading thousands of multi-sport facilities to help you get active wherever you live.

“Alongside this, we have launched a review of the school curriculum designed to ensure that sport is not just the preserve of a privileged few.

“We all have a role to play in getting the nation moving, so I welcome this contribution from ukactive which provides a clear direction for the sector to create opportunities for children and young people to enjoy the benefits of physical activity.”