How your PTA can get kids more active
Image: Primary school-aged boy kicking a football in a field.
What are the barriers?
One of the biggest barriers children face when it comes to taking part in sports outside of school is the cost. In global research carried out by the IOC and Allianz, 72% of young people said they thought sport was important, but 37% didn’t take part due to the cost of living. And according to Sport England’s Activity Check-in ‘almost one in five parents/carers said they were using free activities for their children to socialise with friends instead of paid, while 12% said they’d reduced the regularity of paid activities.’ From kits and trainers to club memberships and equipment, it’s easy to see how the cost can mount up for parents.
Multiple studies have also revealed that children are worried about being judged and doubt whether they’re good enough to play sport. This lack of confidence is thought to be most likely amongst those without a sports-loving role model in their lives, such as an active family member or friend.
Why is sport important?
There are five main benefits of being active, according to Sport England:
- Physical wellbeing
Exercise reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 30–40%. - Mental wellbeing
Exercise boosts mood, concentration and alertness. - Individual development
Exercise improves educational behaviour and attainment, through greater self-esteem, confidence and direct cognitive benefits. - Social and community development
Physical activity can build stronger communities by bringing people together. - Economic development
Sport contributes £39 billion to the UK’s economy.
How can your PTA make a difference?
Any amount of funds your PTA can put towards sports opportunities for the children in your school will make a huge difference. Whether your plan is to provide more balls and games for the children to enjoy at lunchtimes, or you have more ambitious projects in mind to renovate indoor and outdoor spaces, any money you can raise towards familiarising the children with sports will benefit them. Something as simple as having the opportunity to kick or bounce a ball for free in a safe space can change a child’s view on physical activities, plus it will improve their motor coordination skills.
As well as fundraising, you could reach out to local sports clubs and ask them to speak to the children about what they do. You could also host sporting events such as friendly football matches or running races, or hold competitions to win footballs, basketballs and other sports-related prizes for children to take home.
Resources
Sports equipment can be expensive. Luckily there are lots of grants and schemes you can apply to that help fund sports in schools. Here are just a few organisations and companies you can apply to:
- The National Lottery(various grants)
- Sport England (various grants)
- Sportsafe (various grants)
Don’t forget to reach out to your local community as well to see if they’re willing to help you reach your goals (pun intended!).
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