– Sports clothing and equipment costs £54 on average per child
– Kids take up three sports on average per school year
– British kids are the most likely to take up swimming, football and running this school year
CHILDREN are taking up new sports this school year which is increasing the price of back to school as parents fork out for sports clothing and equipment, according to new research.
A survey of more than 7,600 UK adults published by Decathlon in the Decathlon Activity Index 2018, shows that parents spend £54 on average on sports clothing and equipment per child, ahead of the new school year.
In fact, 86% of those surveyed said that their keen kids will take up a new sport this year at school.
The research shows how the cost correlates to the amount of sports kids take up, with children picking up three sports on average per school year.
Even more surprisingly, more than 1 in 7 (29%) said that their child will take up five or more sports when school resumes this September.
When quizzed on the sports and physical activities their children intend to take part in during the new academic year, the majority of respondents cite swimming and football as activities their child will take part in.
This was closely followed by running with more than 1 in 5 intending to take part in this form of exercise during the new school year.
Tennis was also a popular sport that children intend to pick up, coming in fourth place.
Fitness rounded off the list of the top five sports and forms of exercise a child intends to get involved with at the start of the new school year.
Philippe Rebelo, UK marketing director at Decathlon commented: “It is clear that back to school is an expensive time for many parents, but the research shows just how much is spent on sports clothing and equipment alone. This highlights just how quickly the cost of back to school can mount up for parents, especially if you have more than one child in school.
Rebelo continued: “However, it is important to get children to take part in sports ay school, so they can form healthier lifestyles and help grow their team building skills. There are also plenty of affordable options on the market for parents to choose from and ensure their kids are kitted out for a variety of sports and activities at school, so that youngsters don’t miss out.”
Top 10 Sports or Forms of Exercise Kids Plan to Take Part in During the New Academic Year
- Swimming – 38%
- Football – 38%
- Running – 20%
- Tennis – 17%
- Fitness – 16%
- Athletics – 16%
- Gymnastics – 14%
- Dance – 14%
- Cycling – 14%
- Karate – 14%
The Decathlon Activity Index tracks rates of participation in sport and other physical activities across the year through a monthly, national survey.
Decathlon has 42 stores in the UK and sells a variety of sports equipment, clothing and accessories perfect for those want to get active or excel their performance.
For more information, visit www.decathlon.co.uk
