ukactive launches ‘Next Generation’ strategy focusing on young people

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 important. More than half also valued having a supportive coach during activities (51%).

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.”