New research from the Youth Sport Trust warns that today’s children could face a major health crisis by 2035 due to falling activity levels, poor wellbeing, and lack of access to regular movement and sport.
At Walsall Gamefit, we see the difference sport and movement can make every single day.
Fitness is only one aspect of being active; other benefits include:
- Confidence
- Mental wellbeing
- Teamwork
- Resilience
- Building healthy habits for life
That’s why creating safe, inclusive, and fun spaces for young people to move, play, and grow matters more than ever.
The habits we build today shape the adults of tomorrow.
Let’s work together to create a healthier, happier generation across Walsall
Key Findings from the Youth Sport Trust “Class of 2035” Report
- Children’s physical activity levels are continuing to decline across the UK. (Pages 6–8)
- By 2035, almost half (48%) of children are projected to spend 3+ hours a day on recreational screen time, compared with 34% in 2025. (Pages 8, 40–41)
- More than one-third (34%) of children are expected to be active for less than 30 minutes per day, far below the recommended 60 minutes. (Pages 8, 43)
- Childhood obesity is projected to rise significantly, with around 24% of 10–11 year olds predicted to be clinically obese by 2035. (Pages 9, 44)
- Mental wellbeing among children and young people is declining, with inactivity linked to lower happiness, confidence, and resilience. (Pages 9, 24–25, 41, 45)
- Disabled children and young people face greater barriers to sport and physical activity participation than their peers. (Pages 18, 21, 42)
- Girls, particularly those facing multiple inequalities, are less likely to take part in daily physical activity and often report lower confidence in PE and sport. (Pages 14, 16, 21, 43)
- Many young people say they want to be more active but lack opportunities, encouragement, or inclusive environments. (Pages 12–18, 23, 26–27, 34)
- PE time and opportunities for movement in schools are reducing, despite strong evidence linking activity to improved mental health, attendance, academic performance, and wider educational outcome (Pages 8, 20, 31–34, 37–39, 45–46)
- The report warns that without urgent action, today’s children could experience poorer health, lower educational attainment, reduced wellbeing, and fewer life opportunities than previous generations. (Pages 4, 7–9, 43–47)
- The Youth Sport Trust is calling for greater investment in PE, school sport, play, and physical activity to reverse these trends before 2035. (Pages 4, 34, 47)