Children in Wales want to try more non-traditional sports in PE

A poll of 1,000 children aged 10-16 found that while the likes of netball and football are still popular, nearly a third want to try more non-traditional sports. 

Dodgeball, basketball and golf also made the list of sports children want added to the school curriculum. 

But traditional lessons like hockey and cross country running are falling out of favour as kids look for more modern sports.               

The study was commissioned by SPAR UK which is giving away £50,000 and encouraging schools to apply for £200 grants to buy new equipment and improve their sports day.

Seven out of ten children in Wales said they enjoy PE lessons and unsurprisingly rugby came out top as the most popular sport for Welsh pupils.

The study, which also polled 1,000 parents, found 67% wish they had as many sporting options as children do today when they were their age, believing sports can help improve teamwork skills, physical fitness and confidence.

It also emerged that 84% of parents in Wales agreed it’s expensive to buy sports kit and equipment to accommodate children’s varying sports interests and 47% of mums and dads struggle to afford sports activities outside of school for their children .

As a result, 34% said the only way their children have access to sports is via their PE lessons.

Two thirds (67%) of parents in Wales wish they had as many sporting options as children do today when they were their age, believing sports can help improve teamwork skills, physical fitness and confidence.

SPAR UK teamed up with GB Hurdler Marli Jessop, to encourage schools across the UK to apply for the Sports Day Grant: “When I was at school the sports day was huge for me and I think it’s so important for kids in so many different ways. I’ve always loved sport whether it was gymnastics, trampolining or running and my school sports day helped me realise what I enjoyed the most. It gave me confidence at school and when I wasn’t very good at academic subjects doing PE helped me to be myself.”

Suzanne Dover, Brand & Marketing Director at SPAR UK added: “Sports have always been an important part of school life and it is essential that we invest in providing schools with the resources they need to make sure that children are active and engaged. “

“The SPAR School Sports Grant means you can win sports equipment for your local school and help create an active and engaging environment for students of all ages.”

SPORTS KIDS IN WALES WANT TO DO IN SCHOOL:

1. Gymnastics 
2. Rollerblading
3. Boxing
4. Basketball
5. Dodgeball
6. Volleyball
7. Rowing 
8. Golf
9. Archery
10. Rock climbing