Youth Sport Trust (YST) has launched its manifesto for PE and school sport ahead of the 2015 general election, hoping that it will be used as a blueprint by the new government to improve the lives of young people.

The manifesto identifies three key areas and asks for a joined-up, cross departmental approach to PE and physical activity by the education, health and sport sectors.

Entitled ‘Unlocking Potential, the manifesto calls for:

• More time for higher quality PE; to ensure all young people are physically literate and can move competently and confidently

• Physical activity opportunities to be embedded into every school day; to ensure every child has the opportunity to live a healthy, active lifestyle

• Sustained competitive sport in schools; to ensure sport remains at the heart of a young person’s life

Launching the manifesto at a special reception at the House of Lords today, YST chair Baroness Campbell described current physical inactivity levels of young people as ‘bleak and worrying’ and said the manifesto will set out where action is required by any future government to tackle the issue.

“Reversing the growing levels of physical inactivity amongst young people is a seismic challenge. With one in three children leaving primary school obese or overweight, and less than one in five meeting the minimum recommended guidelines for physical activity, it is a bleak and worrying picture.

“By making this a priority area, the next government has an opportunity to improve our nations’ health, education and sporting prospects.

“Our manifesto demonstrates how PE, school sport and physical activity improves physical health; boosts mental health and builds resilience; creates active habits for life and boosts academic achievement.

“We have set out where we believe any future government should focus its efforts if we are to stand any real chance of reversing the worrying trends that are leading to increasing sedentary lifestyles amongst young people.”

To download and read the full manifesto in PDF form, click here

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