National School Sports Week is back for 2023 and this year, the campaign is ‘play for fun, play for 60’.
The UK Chief Medical Officer (CMO) recommends that children aged 5 to 18 should be highly active (with an elevated heart rate) for an average of at least 60 minutes a day, across the week in order to stay happy and healthy.
However, new research by YouGov commissioned by children’s charity the Youth Sport Trust reveals parents are more likely to believe that children only need to be active for 30 minutes a day, less than half of the recommended guidance.
That’s why this year, the Youth Sport Trust is asking families, schools and partner organisations up and down the country to take the #PledgeToPlay for 60 minutes every day.
Chief Executive of the Youth Sport Trust Alison Oliver MBE said: “We know children are leading increasingly sedentary lives.
“Screen time is up, and time spent in nature is down – it’s no surprise that parents and teachers are increasingly concerned about children’s physical activity levels and the consequence of this in the classroom.
“Children’s formative years can influence their wellbeing, development, education outcomes and physical activity levels well into adulthood. There is a compelling evidence base for more play and sport in children’s lives.
97% of teachers agree play and sport can support mental wellbeing
“Pockets of innovative practice which are unlocking new ways to inspire young people to get active are emerging, but a priority has to be raising public awareness of the CMO guidance should be a priority alongside action to help schools and families respond.”
England Netball offer a diverse range of opportunities across the country to develop a love of being active through playing netball.
For children aged 5-9 at the beginning of their team sport journey, Bee Netball is our fun and nurturing programme. It is designed to introduce children to netball skills: throwing, catching, footwork and shooting.
More importantly, the programme is designed to support every child’s personal development on and beyond the court. All activities are underpinned by our Beeliefs; our core values are focused on improving each child’s belief in their own ability.
To engage, maximise and empower deaf and disabled women and girls across England, there is ParaNetball with a network of clubs which specialise in disability and inclusion.
Known as ‘Core Inclusion Clubs’ or ‘CIC Clubs’, these clubs lead and pioneer our work as netball’s inclusive footprint across the country.
Additionally, Blended Netball is a leadership programme designed for mainstream girls to deliver netball to girls with special educational needs within their schools – providing netball for pupils who may not otherwise be involved.
To find out more about how you can get your child involved – or more involved – in netball, visit our Play page.
