What We Do
The Youth Sport Trust is a national children's charity. We build brighter futures by improving young people's health and wellbeing. We empower young people and equip educators with the life changing benefits of PE, play and sport. Founded in 1995, we provide opportunities for over 2 million children every year to take part. Our vision is to create a future where every child enjoys the life-changing benefits of play and sport
A generation needing change
Children and young people are in the midst of a wellbeing crisis. Their physical, mental and social wellbeing are in decline, leading to children being unhappier, unhealthier, and more distracted than previous generations.
- 1 in 5 children and young people in England have a probable mental health disorder
- 1 in 5 children in England are overweight or obese by the time they are five years old
- 83% of parents believe that children are spending too much time online and not enough with each other in person.
The difference we make for young people
Physical activity - including PE, Sport and Play - bring a wide range of benefits that can improve wellbeing. A young person who is physically active on a regular basis will have better:
- Mental Health
- Physical Health
- Social Wellbeing
Evidence also shows that being physically active improves brain function, including learning, memory and concentration. By increasing physical activity levels we can develop young people who are happier, healthier and ready to learn.
Mo's Mission: 60 Minutes a day of PE, Sport and Play
The UK Chief Medical Officer (CMO) recommends that children aged 5 to 18 should be highly active (with an elevated heart rate) for an average of at least 60 minutes a day, across the week in order to stay happy and healthy.
Four-time Olympic Champion Sir Mo Farah CBE, National School Sport Champion for the Youth Sport Trust charity, has launched Mo’s Mission to empower more children in the UK to be physically active. He wants all children and young people to get 60 minutes a day of PE, sport and play.
How you can support Youth Sport Trust:
Ask your teacher or parents to join Mo's Mission:
You can find out more and make your pledge here https://www.youthsporttrust.org/mos-mission You can also download your 60 minutes a day active tracker to keep track of your daily activity and encourage others to do the same!
Get active & spread the word:
Let everyone know how good PE, Sport and Play make you feel. Ask your teacher or parents how you can find more ways to get active every day. Invite your friends to get involved too.
Raise Money:
By fundraising for the Youth Sport Trust, you're helping us provide vital resources and opportunities for children and young people to use the power of play and sport to change lives. There are countless ways to get involved and make a difference. Choose from our ideas below or create your own exciting fundraising challenge:
- Sports day: Host a sports day celebrating nostalgic competition including the egg and spoon and potato sack races.
- Obstacle course challenge: Set up an obstacle course and invite participants to navigate through it as quickly as possible.
- Sports quiz: Host a sports-themed quiz where teams compete to answer questions about sports history, athletes, and rules.
- Sport-inspired cake sale: Bake and sell sports-themed treats such as cookies decorated like footballs, cupcakes with icing in team colours, or home-made energy bars for participants and spectators to enjoy during your event.
