Children who are physically active are less likely to be obese or develop long-term illness, such as diabetes, as adults. At a time when over a third of Year 6 children are obese or overweight it is more important now than ever to engage children early.
Attending a sport club outside of school time is linked with higher academic and behavioural outcomes in primary school.
There is strong evidence that playing sport is linked to higher self-esteem and confidence, through feeling pride in learning new skills and overcoming challenges.
People who play sport and are a member of a sport club are more likely to be happy with their lives. There is growing evidence that sport is associated with lowered risks of depression and greater life satisfaction. A major public health study found it can protect children who have had difficult childhoods from developing mental health problems later in life. In a time when children are spending an increasing amount of their free time online, sport provides an important alternative activity that can tackle feelings of isolation and build a sense of belonging.