MORE THAN 4 MILLION CHILDREN MISSED OUT ON PLAYING A SPORT OVER THE LAST YEAR DUE TO THE COST INVOLVED

As families across the nation struggle to cope with the cost-of-living crisis, new research reveals that parenting money woes are extending to school life and impacting children and their sporting opportunities.

New research of nearly 1,000 UK parents, by leading sports retailer Decathlon, has revealed that nearly 1 in 2 (48%) parents say that increasing petrol costs and travel fares involved in taking their children to school are their biggest money worries in the run up to the back-to-school period.

In addition, 43% claim that being able to afford new school items, including clothing, shoes, bags and equipment, is one of their biggest back-to-school concerns.

Shockingly, nearly a third of UK parents (29%) said that their child has missed out on a sporting opportunity over the past year because of the costs involved, which could mean that 4.4 million children across Britain are not able to participate in the sports that interest them.

Other factors impacting their ability to take part in sporting activities include coronavirus outbreaks in local clubs and schools (35%) and parents simply not being able to take them (30%) due to associated costs, such as the price of petrol or train tickets.

Looking at the sports which children across the nation have most commonly missed out on, football (42%), swimming (34%) and tennis (13%) appeared top of the list – showing these to be the most popular sports for the youth of today, and activities that will therefore be most missed by children.

Sadly, nearly half (44%) of parents say the cost-of-living crisis has had an impact on the number of sports their child can now take part in – this could have a significant impact on the popularity of sports that schools are unable to offer during PE lessons.

To support parents during this difficult time, Decathlon has launched a ‘Back to School Essentials’ range, with hundreds of products costing less than £20. This includes backpacks, trainers, t-shirts and swimming goggles – many of which cost less than £10.

Frances Sue, Head of Brand at Decathlon comments on the findings: “The cost-of-living crisis is an extremely difficult time for many UK families, with increasing energy bills and rising petrol prices affecting so many people’s lives. It’s heartbreaking to see that the crisis is also extending to young people and their ability to take part in sports.

“Decathlon’s core mission is to make more sports more accessible for the many. This is why our back-to-school range provides top quality sports equipment, clothing and accessories within an affordable price range. Our aim is to try to reduce the stress and worry that parents may face in the build-up to the back-to-school period by providing them with accessible options, which they can be confident will last the full school year and beyond.

“We’ve had an incredible summer of sport in the UK and our hope is that we can keep the momentum going by providing the necessary tools for inspired children to explore their new sporting passions with our affordable range of kids’ kit.”

Decathlon has more than 45 stores in the UK and sells a variety of sports equipment, clothing, and accessories perfect for those who want to get active, try out new sports or forms of exercise or simply lead a healthy lifestyle.