Final Report: How did COVID-19 change children's sport in Scotland, and what are the lessons for future policy?
COVID-19, children and sport
How did COVID-19 change children’s sport in Scotland, and what are the lessons for future policy?
Our 2-year collaborative project with the Observatory for Sport Scotland (OSS), Abertay University, Urban Foresight and Optima Connect aimed to better understand how the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic changed access to sport and physical activity for children and young people in Scotland.
The goal was to understand what data were available, what that data could tell us about sport and children and what recommendations could help promote future participation in sports in Scotland.
By combining quantitative and qualitative analysis, the team created a robust, evidence-based set of recommendations for children’s sports strategy for Scotland to improve access and support every child's right to sport.
This project used a multi-method approach, including:
A data audit identifying and analysing data sources in Scotland.
A literature review on children’s access to sport.
An original research programme that included:
Focus groups with primary school children aged 5-12 years, using
drawing, writing and storytelling to explore their experiences.
Online surveys with 45 young people and 49 parents and guardians.
Interviews with 22 organisations across national, regional and local
organisations.
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1. Improve data.
There are significant gaps in our ability to understand children’s sport in Scotland – and a future strategy should bring Scotland in line with the latest data-driven approaches taken in other countries.
2. Avoid a ‘lost generation’ of children who experienced the pandemic.
Qualitative and quantitative evidence suggests that some effects of COVID-19 risk becoming permanent. Policy and operational attention should focus on increasing opportunities for the generation who experienced the pandemic as they grow up.
3. Restore access to pre-pandemic levels.
Since the pandemic, many facilities have yet to reopen. The report also suggests new ways to increase participation.
4. Fix the long-term foundations for children’s sports.
COVID-19 exacerbated many long-term challenges, particularly around funding and staffing for sport. s here
