Plans for a second national lockdown have been announced in England and will begin on Thursday 5 November. The new national restrictions to tackle Coronavirus will impact grassroots sport, school sport, and physical activity. 

The Youth Sport Trust will work with the Government to seek clarity and guidance on what this means for schools and the delivery of sport and PE.

Ali Oliver MBE, Chief Exec of the Youth Sport Trust, said:

It really should be a matter of national concern that as we enter a second lockdown children will again miss out on the important contribution grassroots sport makes to their health and development. Along with other charities and sporting organisations we are urging government to reconsider it’s position on this.

It is deeply concerning that children will be made to miss out on grassroots sport as the nation enters a second lockdown. Along with other charities and sporting organisations we are urging government to think again. 

Maintaining access to sport and good quality Physical Education is vital to young people’s health and wellbeing. During the first national lockdown almost half of young people became less active. It led to children becoming physically unfit and struggling with their mental health. 

“Staying active and engaged in sport is one essential way we can help mitigate the damage being done to a generation of young people during these challenging times. 

“Schools need clarity from government that sport and Physical Education should continue, along with clear guidance to help them provide this safely. We will continue working with government to try to get this to schools and will be providing free support to teachers and families to keep young people active in the absence of organised grassroots sport.” 

Schools, teachers and families looking for best practice and guidance on keeping active, and delivering PE and school sport can find support by visiting www.youthsporttrust.org/coronavirus-support