Sport England Highlights New National Youth Strategy…

…and the Importance of Sport for Young People

Sport England has welcomed the UK Government’s newly published Youth Matters strategy - the first national youth strategy in 15 years and underlined the vital role that sport and physical activity play in supporting young people’s wellbeing, community connection and life opportunities.

Sport England Chief Executive Simon Hayes, says “the organisation responded to the Government’s strategy by emphasising that sport is far more than a leisure option; it is a central and evidence-based part of tackling the key challenges facing young people today.”

Young People’s Voices at the Heart of the Strategy: Sport England’s response notes that Youth Matters reflects what young people themselves have been saying: many feel socially isolated, anxious about their mental health and uncertain about their future. They call for more affordable, welcoming places to meet, be active, and engage with trusted adults - all of which sport and physical activity can help provide.

The blog stresses that sport and physical activity aren’t merely “nice extras”. They offer tangible benefits that support physical and mental health, build confidence, strengthen community ties and create positive relationships with coaches, volunteers and peers.

Addressing Inequality in Participation:

Despite progress in overall activity levels among children and young people, Sport England highlights persistent inequalities: young people from less affluent families are significantly less likely to be active, often due to barriers such as cost, lack of access and environments that don’t reflect their needs.

Halving this participation gap is a key challenge identified by both the Government’s strategy and Sport England’s work, reinforcing the need for tailored approaches that reach young people where they live and play.

Aligned Ambitions and Community Action:

The blog makes clear that Youth Matters aligns strongly with Sport England’s own Uniting the Movement strategy, which focuses on empowering local partners, tackling inequalities and supporting place-based solutions that give young people meaningful opportunities to be active.

What This Means for Our Community

For AFC Wimbledon Foundation, the emphasis on sport’s role in youth development reinforces the importance of our work both on and off the pitch. Whether through youth football programmes, community outreach or inclusive activity sessions, opportunities to be active can boost confidence, build friendships and strengthen the bonds that make our local area thrive.