Move for Fun aims to activate 100,000 children in vulnerable communities

Physical inactivity is a leading contributor to global mortality rates. It is estimated that up to 5 million deaths per year could be averted if the global population was more active. Children and young adults from vulnerable communities in particular are statistically much less active, which leads to poor health, low self-esteem, worse mental health, and lower academic outcomes.

The vision of Move For Fun is to activate 100,000 children in vulnerable and underprivileged communities in three countries (United Kingdom, Poland, Argentina) by providing them with equal access to the joy of movement and sense of community that can provide a pathway to happier and healthier lives.

Salford is an area of multiple deprivation and so was a targeted area for the programme.  Through the Salford School Sport Partnership 6 schools were identified to participate.  One of these schools is Irlam Endowed Primary School, whose pupils face many barriers to participation including social, economic and health deprivation.  However, the school has a strong pupil voice and through their student council, a range of different activities were chosen, including water polo, to keep their peers motivated.

Since the programme started the children have been completing their weekly GO indicators.  At first all were identifying Go Fun as their most important reason for being involved in Move For Fun but in recent weeks their teacher has noticed a change.  The children are now identifying GO Fit and how the activities are improving their fitness and Go Together as they are using activities to develop more friendships.

Jude Scrutton, teacher at Irlam Endowed Primary School said;

‘I am particularly pleased with the Move For Fun programme because this has encouraged girls who have not taken part in any other activities to become involved’

One mum attending a Move For Fun water polo session said;

‘This is great, it’s wonderful to see my daughter so involved in the activity’

Move For Fun is a global pilot program funded by Novo Nordisk and developed in a partnership with the International Sport and Culture Association (ISCA) and Danish sports association (DGI) alongside other partner organisations in pilot countries. Youth Sport Trust International is the delivery partner for the UK.

For more information please visit https://www.dgi.dk/moveforfun