Youth Sport Trust launches strategy to improve children’s wellbeing

A new four-year strategy has been launched by the Youth Sport Trust, which aims to stop the decline in children’s physical, mental and social wellbeing with physical activity.

The ‘Believing in Every Child’s Future’ plan sets out six objectives which include: transforming physical education; removing barriers to sport; unlocking sports potential at every stage of a child’s life; empowering activism through sport; championing insight; and strengthening foundations.

Ali Oliver chief executive of the Youth Sport Trust, said: “Children are struggling with their mental health while grappling with the pressures of social media. They are seeing shifts in personal relationships, rising levels of exam stress and a decline in empathy and resilience.

“It saddens me that recent research shows today’s young Britons have never been unhappier. And while their mental health is declining, one in three children are now classed as obese by the time they leave primary school.

“This crisis of the wellbeing of our children is as heart-breaking as it is alarming and needs to stop now. We want to see a world where every child enjoys the life-changing benefits that come from play and sport.”