Transforming children and young people’s futures through PE, school sport, and physical activity

Description

Today’s children and young people encounter multifaceted challenges, including mental health concerns, reduced physical activity, and persistent inequities in access to sports. As the post-pandemic landscape reshapes our society, physical education (PE), school sports, and physical activity (PESSPA) emerge as critical tools in fostering healthier, happier, and more resilient children and young people. In this article, Dr Sarah MacQuarrie and Dr Alexandra Hennessey spotlight new research conducted in collaboration with the Youth Sport Trust’s “Growth Areas” project.

• Our collaborative research has uncovered a nuanced understanding of how PESSPA can tackle physical, emotional, and social challenges faced by children and young people.
• Although there are severe infrastructural challenges faced by schools to implementing PESSPA, many have devised innovative strategies and inclusive practise.
• Education policy should address both infrastructural barriers but also wider disparities and inequalities.