UK Sport

New research: participation declining

Rob Burgess 14 February 2002

UK SPORT AND SPORT ENGLAND have released new research showing that the number of people participating in sport in England is likely to fall by almost a million by 2026, unless positive action is taken to address the situation. This study echoes the recent call by the British Heart Foundation for the Government to address the growing levels of inactivity in adults and children, which is making the UK a "couch potato society".

The latest figures are part of a new report - Participation In Sport, Past Trends And Future Prospects – published by UK Sport and Sport England. Using population projections for different age groups over the next 30 years (2006, 2016 and 2026), the research estimates how many people will be taking part in sport in the future.

The data shows that if participation rates follow the same trends as they did between 1990 and 1996 for adults, and between 1994 and 1999, for young people, by 2026 the number of sports participants in England will have fallen by 0.9 million – a decrease in the overall participation rate from 52.5% to 46.3%.

As well as predicting levels of participation in England, the research also includes projections on adult participation in Great Britain as a whole where similar trends were evident.

SIR RODNEY WALKER, Chairman of UK Sport, said: "It is only by undertaking such research that we can focus our efforts on the issues that really matter. This publication is an essential tool in helping us plan for the future, to make a real difference in improving British lifestyles and increasing achievement in sport.

"If we can ensure that the success achieved at the Sydney Olympic and Paralympic Games is repeated in Athens and beyond, future generations will continue to want to emulate their sporting heroes."

Trevor Brooking, Chair of Sport England, the country’s leading sports development agency and distributor of Lottery funds to sport, said: "This is a worrying trend that has major implications for the health of our nation. I’m confident that we can help reverse this trend through the development of sport facilities, creating environments for adults and children to become more actively involved in sport. Our new initiatives will ensure that we are reaching the areas of greatest need, giving people an equal opportunity to participate in sport. Nevertheless, it is still vital that the Government, both central and local, places sport much higher on the nation’s agenda."

RICHARD CABORN, the Minister for Sport, expressed his support, recognising that, "The growing prevalence of obesity across the population is a serious issue which needs to be tackled. Promoting and increasing opportunities for physical activity in the population is important in combating the prevalence of obesity, both in terms of prevention and treatment.

"I believe in 'getting them when they're young' - my Department has a target of raising the average time spent on sport and PE by 6 to 16 year olds to 9 hours per week by 2004. We are working closely with the Department of Health and the Treasury to produce a National Physical Activity Strategy to stop this trend in its tracks."

The report was also welcomed by Belinda Linden, Cardiac Nurse at the British Heart Foundation, who said: "Inactivity is implicated in over a third of deaths from heart attacks, and worryingly, is on the increase. Any form of exercise, whether it be a brisk walk to the shops or participating in sports, can benefit the cardiovascular system, improve cholesterol levels and aid weight loss.

"Participating in physical activity with friends is a great way to stay motivated and also have fun, but more importantly, it is a great way to reduce the risk of getting heart disease."

Participation In Sport, Past Trends And Future Prospects will not only help Sport England and UK Sport, but it will also provide UK business professionals with an indication of new, potentially lucrative markets. With an ageing population, the publication has highlighted that sports such as bowls and golf are likely to be two major growth areas.

Copies of the report, priced at £5, can be ordered from Sport England.

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