Page content

Regular physical activity is associated with many short and long-term health benefits for children and adolescents, yet in many countries worldwide, the majority of children fail to meet physical activity guidelines. Researchers at Ulster University are investigating cost as a potential barrier to sport and physical activity for children and young people.

This research will provide us with an understanding of the challenges that parents/guardians and sports clubs face in providing sport and physical activity opportunities for children. This knowledge will help us improve provision, advocate for change and work towards ensuring that all children regardless of socioeconomic status have the opportunity to participate in sport and physical activity.

At present, we are currently working on three projects:

In this section

The impact of the cost-of-living crisis on access to sport and physical activity for children and adolescents in Northern Ireland image

The impact of the cost-of-living crisis on access to sport and physical activity for children and adolescents in Northern Ireland

Understanding how the cost-of-living crisis was affecting access to sport and physical activity opportunities for children and adolescents.

Children’s participation in sport: How do community sports clubs support low-income families and/or families who are struggling financially? image

Children’s participation in sport: How do community sports clubs support low-income families and/or families who are struggling financially?

Understanding how community sports clubs support low-income and/or families struggling financially to enable children to participate in organised sport.

The socioeconomic gap in physical activity for children and adolescents in the UK and Ireland, has it changed over time? image

The socioeconomic gap in physical activity for children and adolescents in the UK and Ireland, has it changed over time?

Determining if the socioeconomic gap in child and adolescent physical activity in the UK and Ireland has changed over time.