Giving Kids A Sporting Chance: The Role Of Sport In Addressing Child Poverty

More than one in three children in the UK live in poverty. Let that sink in for a second. The UK is one of the richest countries in the world and yet 36% of its children live in poverty, according to a new study by the Social Metrics Commission (SMC).

For these kids, the odds are stacked against them. Intervention is often too little, too late, and the gap in support for children living with the consequences of poverty is widening, with children accounting for the biggest rise of any social group falling into poverty as stated by SMC. The wellbeing of these children, a fundamental human right as per the United Nations Convention, is compromised. At SportInspired, we believe our work can help the most disadvantaged young people – those living in the most deprived UK communities – despite their circumstances.

Physical activity promotes many aspects of child and adolescent development. From encouraging healthy growth and development of muscle to improving motor and cognitive development, the benefits of an active lifestyle are significant, with the World Health Organization (WHO) recommending children and adolescents do “at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity” each day. Being active also supports mental wellbeing and improves a person’s mood. Sport is particularly important for children, as in addition to the health benefits, it also influences their social and emotional skills, giving them the opportunity to make friends and feel connected.

Yet many children in the UK are unable to access sports and its associated benefits due to poverty:

• 4.5M children live in poverty in the UK
• 40% of children in England’s most deprived areas are overweight
• 81% of children living in poverty don’t participate in sports clubs

These children can fall into a vicious cycle from an early age. In fact, children that fall into the highest 20% of deprivation are 3 times more likely to experience mental health issues than their more affluent peers, their chances of obesity are doubled by age 11 and unemployment prospects are high.

That is why SportInspired exists: So that every child, regardless of background, can develop the confidence and courage to follow their dreams. We use the power of sport to overcome the consequences of poverty, raise aspirations and unite communities. Our vision is for every 9 year-old* living in the UK’s most deprived places to reap the life-long benefits of sport. Every child should have the opportunity to enjoy participating in sport and physical activity in a fun and safe environment throughout these formative years.

The past five years have been a harsh reminder of the stark health disparities in our societies. We must arrest this crisis of inequality through action: society demands that we all play our part, and while we do not have all the answers at SportInspired, we do have a model that is delivering results today. With your help, together, we can keep the possibility of an interesting and surprising life open to every child in the UK.

*Intervening at this age gives greatest chance of sustainable behaviour change