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Major investment to help poorest children get active

We're working with Sport Inspired to help more than 9,000 children get active.

18th December 2019

A group of smiling children running towards the camera.

Children from some of the poorest areas in England will have the chance to get physically active by trying a wider range of sports that may not have traditionally been accessible in their area.

We’ve awarded £500,000 of National Lottery funding to UK charity Sport Inspired to help more than 9,000 children, young people and families live happier, healthier lives through sport.

The charity, which was set up in 2008, delivers programmes in places where children have the fewest opportunities, bringing together different parts of the community to create longer-term change.

Following one-day sports festivals – events that give young people the opportunity to try a range of activities like parkour, martial arts and fencing – regular and sustainable sports programmes are set up in schools.

The focus will be on celebrating the joy of taking part

Mike Diaper

Mike Diaper, our executive director of children and young people, said: “We’re delighted to be investing this money to help many young people get active.

“The project will focus on the communities who are most in need, working with local schools, sport clubs and community partners to provide more opportunities for local young people to access sport or physical activity.

“The focus will be on celebrating the joy of taking part. Our research shows that enjoyment above competence is the main driver in children getting and staying active.”

Richard Raynes, Sport Inspired’s co-founder and chief executive, added: “We’re delighted to have secured this investment which will transform sporting provision for thousands of children, young people and families from lower socio-economic groups.

“Thank you to everyone who plays the National Lottery, this project wouldn't be possible without you.”

To deepen the impact, Sport Inspired will launch a pioneering programme encouraging families to get active together and embed healthy habits across multiple generations.

There are 4.1 million children growing up in lower socio-economic groups in the UK and our research shows this group are less likely to be physically active than those from more affluent groups.

Children growing up in poverty are three times more likely to suffer mental health issues and twice as likely to be obese.

These children are also less likely to achieve high grades and more likely to experience mental health issues and feel disengaged from society.

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