Why breaking down barriers to activity for children and young people is key to a healthier Sussex

When it comes to understanding how we create lasting, positive change for children and young people, Andy Wright, Strategic Lead for Children and Young People at Active Sussex, has a clear message: “We must tackle the barriers to physical activity at their root, and we must do it together.”

An important strand of our five-year strategy, Getting Sussex Moving, aligns with Sport England’s Uniting the Movement strategy and focuses directly on making sure all children and young people can enjoy the lifelong benefits of being active. This is not just about sport and physical activity – it is about building healthier, happier futures.

Helping all children to be active

We know not every child has the same opportunities to be active. Whether it is due to cost, accessibility, cultural expectations or confidence, barriers are very real. Unfortunately, the children who need physical activity the most are often the ones who face the greatest challenges in accessing it. That is why targeted support for those most in need is central to our work. This is reflected in our work with the School Games, where events are now focused on children who do not usually participate in physical activity, rather than developing competitive, sporty children into elite athletes.

Creating positive experiences

If we want activity to stick, it must be enjoyable, inclusive and free from judgement. Positive experiences in the early years and adolescence shape attitudes for life, which is why our approach always prioritises the child.

Listening to young voices

Every child has the right to be listened to, to have a say in what they do, and to take control of their own journey. Inspired by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Play Their Way campaign, we champion choice and autonomy, ensuring activities reflect what young people want to do – not just what adults think they should. A great example is when youth voice is collected before and after activities, allowing for evaluation and informed changes to be made in the future.

Health and societal benefits

The case for action is clear. Physical activity supports healthy bodies and healthy minds, reducing the risk of illness and boosting emotional wellbeing. And it is not just the individual that benefits. Active children are more engaged, energised and ready to contribute positively to their communities – benefits that ripple through society.

Building a skilled workforce

None of this is possible without the people delivering activity every day. From PE teachers to grassroots volunteers, we work to develop and support a skilled, motivated workforce. After all, every positive encounter with an adult role model can be the spark that keeps a child moving.

A whole-day approach

Being active should not be limited to PE lessons or after-school clubs. Our vision is to weave movement into the rhythm of daily life, from birth through to adulthood – making it as natural as play, conversation or learning.

Andy said: “If we truly want a generation of active, happy and healthy young people, we have to create environments where activity is possible, accessible and appealing to every child – not just the already sporty ones.

“This means listening to them, supporting those who need it most, and making movement part of their everyday lives.”

By taking a systemic approach – addressing environments, culture, policy and workforce together – we can ensure that the right to play, move and thrive is not a privilege for a few, but a reality for all.