Too many children are missing out on the many benefits of playing sport and being active. We know how important it is to not only give children the opportunity to play, but to help develop their confidence to keep doing so.
of children and young people with two or more characteristics of inequality meet government guidelines for activity.
On current trends, the Youth Sport Trust estimates:
48% of children will spend three hours or more on screens for entertainment each day
of 10-11 year olds will be obese
schools will see declining attendance, engagement and belonging among the least active pupils
of children and young people are active for less than 30 minutes a day
of children from the least affluent families get the recommended daily level of activity
of girls get the recommended daily level of activity, compared to 52% of boys
Black (41%) and Asian (43%) children and young people are less likely to play sport or be physically active than the average across all ethnicities.
Experiences as a child shape a person’s attitude towards sport, and many people drop out of regular sport before they reach the age of 14. A positive experience of sport at school can contribute to a lifetime of participation and a negative experience may narrow perceptions of sport and put someone off forever.
No single approach works for all children, but having fun while building basic physical literacy and confidence in abilities are the cornerstones of keeping children in sports. We know cricket helps children build the skills and confidence needed for a healthy life.
“We’ve had some challenging children and some challenging behaviour. It’s had a huge impact on the children’s behaviour, self-esteem, self-confidence. It’s just immeasurable.”
James Watson,
Teacher, Fairholme Primary School
“Before I came here, I never really played any cricket. What makes me come back every week is how fun it is and how much I enjoy it, and on the weekend, I really don’t have anything to do so it cheers me up.”
Sarah,
Age 9
“I see my old friends hanging around on the streets. Some have got in trouble with the police for knife crime. If I hadn’t got involved [In Street], that would definitely be me.”
Ahwais,
Age 16
“Cricket, I can’t live without it.” The words of Ajlal, 11, who back in 2024 moved to the UK from Pakistan with his brother, Talal, 16. Both wondered how they could continue their love for tape ball cricket, a constant for them growing up. Speaking to him two years later...
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