Edited by Clive Efford MP.
The success of school and community sport is key to changing attitudes of younger people towards sport and physical activity. Building on the success of the 2012 Games, the authors urge government to work more with schools and community clubs to increase participation levels (especially disadvantaged groups).
The report highlights the cost of illness owing to inactivity (forecast to be £49 billion by 2050) and the benefits school sport can have in terms of improved behaviour and concentration levels throughout the school day. School sport also provides the opportunity to instil the right attitudes and skills to develop a sporting habit which often continues into later life. This can have huge health, educational and social benefits.
The report examines the barriers some young people face and places the spotlight on the government’s decision to dismantle the network of School Sport Partnerships, which were central to bringing together schools and community clubs to increase participation levels. A number of authors call for the barriers between school and community sport to be removed. Not only to increase participation levels but also to build community cohesion and help coaches spot talent.