Sports Direct teams up to get kids moving with free kit and athlete visits

Sports Direct has teamed up with the Youth Sport Trust for the third year in a row to help boost physical activity in schools.

The retailer, which is part of Frasers Group, is offering free sports kits and athlete visits as part of this year’s National School Sports Week, taking place in June.

The campaign aims to tackle low activity levels among children, with research showing just 47% meet the recommended 60 minutes of daily exercise.

Youth Sport Trust research shows just 47% of children meet the recommended 60 minutes of daily activity, with nearly a third doing less than 30 minutes a day.

Experts warn this trend is fuelling rising childhood obesity and worsening mental health.

Ger Wright, a board member at Frasers Group said: “Sports Direct is delighted to support National School Sports Week. Every school, along with parents and families, can sign up to join the fun. The Youth Sport Trust has an array of free activity resources on its website. The Midlands is an important region for us so we hope as many schools as possible will want to take part.”

The event, led by the Youth Sport Trust, brings together national sports bodies, families and communities to help children stay active.

Under Armour also returning as a major partner.

Wright continued: “We know how important it is for kids to stay active and get outside, so it’s been a top priority to ensure this event is as fun as it can possibly be. That said, some of the statistics around the lack of physical activity among children today are quite troubling, so we’re using this as a moment to spotlight that and improve it.”