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.