Wakefield primary academies champion sport and active lifestyles to buck trend and keep children healthier

placeholder image — Accord Multi Academy Trust

Primary academies within Accord Multi Academy Trust are putting physical activity front and centre with a vibrant and inclusive Sports Week to inspire a lifelong love of movement among children.

Pupils from South Ossett Infants Academy, Middlestown Primary Academy and Horbury Primary Academy took part in a wide-ranging programme of activities, introducing them to both traditional sports and exciting new experiences.

From familiar favourites such as rugby, cricket, tennis, rounders and football to more adventurous activities including zorbing, skateboarding, archery, dragonball, trampolining, fencing and team-based games, the week from June 15 - 19 was carefully designed to ensure every child could find something they enjoy.

Meeting children’s physical activity targets

The initiative reflects growing national concern around children’s physical activity levels. The Youth Sport Trust recommends at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity for young people, yet many children are not meeting this target.

Research shows that just 46% of young people are active for 30 minutes during the school day, highlighting the important role schools play in promoting movement and healthy habits.

At the same time, rising screen use is contributing to increasingly sedentary lifestyles. One in three young people spends at least three hours per day on screens outside of schoolwork, with this figure predicted to grow to nearly half by 2035.

Against this backdrop, local schools are playing a critical role in ensuring children have regular opportunities to move, play and build positive, lifelong habits.

Hannah Young, Headteacher at South Ossett Infants Academy and Middlestown Primary Academy, said: “It has been wonderful to see every single child involved – there truly is something for everyone.

Through physical activity our children develop confidence, teamwork and good sportsmanship. Sport teaches values such as integrity, humility and discipline. It helps children learn how to work together and to persevere when something doesn’t come easily.

Hannah Young

She added: “Initiatives like this present sport as something exciting and accessible - not something to fear, or something reserved only for a few.

“I would also like to extend my gratitude to all colleagues who made this possible and organised such an exciting and engaging programme for the week.”

Cara Moody, PE Lead at Horbury Primary Academy, added: “Sports Week at Horbury Primary Academy is so much more than just Sports Day – it’s about giving every child the chance to try new activities, build confidence and discover what they enjoy.

“By encouraging pupils to be active and experience a wide range of sports, we aim to inspire a lifelong love of physical activity that supports their health and wellbeing well beyond primary school.”

Research consistently highlights the wider benefits of physical activity for children, including improved mental wellbeing, stronger social connections and enhanced resilience.

By delivering engaging, inclusive and varied sporting opportunities, primary academies across Accord are helping to address national challenges while empowering young people to develop positive habits that extend far beyond the classroom.