How can schools ensure that children get the best out of sport and #BeActive at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting our everyday lives?

Here are our suggestions for staying safe, active and having fun in sport at school.

Safety first

Be aware of the risks and take precautions. During intense exercise, you breathe more – up to 20 times faster – and deeper than when resting.

This raises both the amount and depth of inhaled and exhaled virus particles. Children and adults risk contaminating equipment, clothing and playing surfaces when exercising.

To stay safe and healthy, everyone should

• limit the use of shared equipment
• regularly disinfect equipment  
• wash their hands before and after physical activity
• avoid direct contact, such as shaking hands, fist bumps and high fives

Sport at school matters

Consider sport as an important part of school education.

Keeping fit and healthy are essential habits to adopt for life at an early age. Stress and anxiety have spiked during the pandemic, but sport can help you to relax and unwind.

Staying active can also help to improve sleep and boost the immune system.

More than PE

Sport for children should not be limited to PE classes. There are many ways to #BeActive. Afterschool activities typically offer a variety of sports.

Journeys to and from school offer an opportunity to exercise – students can cycle, walk or even run to school.

Mix it up

Offer a mix of activities for children and adolescents. Most physical activity should be of the aerobic kind, such as running and other sport that makes you breathe harder, increasing your heart rate.

However, children should also regularly practice muscle-strengthening activities, such as climbing or push-ups, and bone-strengthening activities, like jumping and running.

Remember, some activities are better suited for children of different age groups. For example, younger children do not usually need formal muscle-strengthening programmes.

Focus on fun

Children like to have fun, so they are more likely to keep exercising if they enjoy the activity. Turn on some music and have a dance party to boost energy.

Make use of skipping ropes, balls, rackets and other sports equipment to make up new games.

Ease up on the competition. Sport at school should promote health and instil positive values, rather than solely promoting competition.

In these uncertain times, it is particularly important to strengthen your physical and mental health, while remembering to have fun!