whichfranchise logo

Supported by

Posted:13-September-2016

Premier Sport franchise tackles obesity

Premier Sport today published new research alarmingly revealing that only 10% of children are doing physical activity in every day, with over a quarter of parents believing their child is not doing enough and 60% are worried about obesity levels in their children.

According to the research, 85% of parents think their children would benefit from more education around fitness and half of parents agree that children should be properly fitness tested in schools.

Key stats from the nationwide study of 1000* parents across the UK;

- Only 10% of children are doing physical activity every day at school.
- Over half of parents think that children should be properly fitness tested in schools.
- 60% of parents are worried about obesity levels in children.
- 85% of parents think their children would benefit from more education around fitness in school with 50% suggesting their children should be properly tested in school.
- A quarter of parents admit they’re in the dark when it comes to knowing what physical activity their children’s school offer.
- Three quarters of our children don't even do 1 hour a day of exercise.
- A third of parents struggle to keep their children active.

Premier Sport Duncan GoodhewCommenting on the worrying statistics, Olympic gold medallist and Premier Sport ambassador, Duncan Goodhew, (image right) said: “It doesn’t seem right that we regularly measure numeracy and literacy skills in school children but we don’t regularly measure something that could potentially kill them! This has to change if we’re to curb the alarming rates of inactivity in our children.”

Addressing the concerns of the nation’s parents and their suggestion that the need for physical activity can begin at school, Premier Sport and ukactive joined forces to launch the ‘My Personal Best’ initiative, comprising of four fitness measures throughout the school year, with the aim of identifying periods when children become most inactive.

Based on evidence from the programme, appropriate interventions are put in place to ensure children with the most need are targeted and any investment/impact can be measured, particularly for girls whose activity levels begin to drop from age seven, statistically continuing through their teenage years.

ukactive Chair Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson (image below), said: “We know that today’s youth are the least active generation ever, so it’s vital that we intensify our efforts to embed a minimum of one hour of physical activity into their daily routines.

“Central to this should be the nationwide rollout of fitness measurement programmes for primary school children that are conducted in a way that is fun and enjoyable for kids.

Premier Sport Baronness Tanni ukactive

“Research we conducted with Premier Sport around the ‘My Personal Best’ initiative highlighted the importance of structured physical activity sessions both in and out of school. That’s why we’re also calling for funding from the government’s soft drinks levy to be used beyond the schools gates to ensure that physical activity sessions are accessible to children all-year-round.”

Chief Executive of Premier Sport, David Batch, said: "The research proves that there is a nationwide need for further education and investment in to our children's fitness to create a year round approach to activity. Using meaningful and measurable interventions, in schools, to drive improvement will lead to a healthier understanding and natural step towards tackling underage obesity and inactivity.”

*Research conducted by Hartley UK

 

Interested and want to know more about Premier Education?

The Premier Education profile outlines all aspects of their franchise opportunity and allows you to contact them for further information or to ask a question.

Our Newsletter

Receive FREE updates on the latest franchise opportunities, news and advice
Top