As The Guardian rightly highlighted last week, too many children and young people are missing out on opportunities to be physically active, with less than half of children achieving the recommended 60 active minutes each day.

In our role as Youth Sport Trust Athlete Mentors, we are always energised to see the impact being active has on children and young people, and this week we have spent National School Sports Week visiting schools across the country to champion the importance of physical activity.

The enjoyment children get from being active has been clear to see throughout the week, as is the impact on their wellbeing and their desire for more opportunities so no child misses out. We need to increase access to activities in and around schools – through PE, sport and play – to develop children who are happier, healthier and ready to learn.

We are calling for whoever forms the next government to make increasing activity levels an urgent priority, so every child and young person can access the life-changing benefits of play and sport.

Youth Sport Trust Athlete Mentors

• Ama Agbeze
• Hannah Beharry
• Ayaz Bhuta
• Montell Douglas
• Jenna Downing
• Steve Frew
• Tom Haffield
• Alistair Patrick-Heselton
• Tim Prendergast