For the second year in a row we hosted a fringe event, this year exploring how a nation of active and well schools can deliver on the Government’s ambition to create the happiest and healthiest generation and taking place in the Youth Zone – a space for charities and organisations building a brighter future for this and subsequent generations.

Expertly chaired by Amani from the Youth Sport Trust’s Youth Board, the event began with Ama Agbeze MBE, former England netball captain and a Youth Sport Trust Athlete Mentor, reflecting on her sporting journey including the role of sport in her own personal development. Ama shared how through sport she was able to improve her communication skills, leadership, resilience and confidence, all of which are vital not just for sport but across life. However, Ama highlighted particular challenges girls face to participation in physical activity, particularly in puberty, arguing giving girls agency to shape their own experiences is key to improving comfort, confidence and subsequently enjoyment, tackling the drop-off in participation rates and supporting the formation of life-long habits.

Next, the audience heard from Natasha Irons who as well as serving as the Member of Parliament for Croydon East, chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Youth Affairs, is Vice-Chair of the APPG on Play, and sits on the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee. Natasha spoke about the decline of play compared to previous generations, referencing the need for access to informal play as a precursor to physical activity, including sport. She shared examples of schools where play has successfully been integrated into the school day and the impact of this, arguing there is a need to also reinforce the play agenda through urban planning and as a concept within parenthood. Natasha went on to call for a new national play strategy to address play sufficiency.

The next speaker was Iain Williamson, headteacher of Dame Dorothy Primary School in Sunderland, one of the Youth Sport Trust’s Beacon Well Schools. Iain set out how, in response to the significant health challenges in Sunderland, he led efforts to embed physical activity within his school, incorporating ideas such as short runs during curriculum time, always active uniform, active breakfast clubs and inclusive after-school sport programmes. As well as increasing physical activity levels, Iain explained this approach has helped improve behaviour, concentration and overall wellbeing. Crucially, he articulated physical activity is a tool which enhances educational outcomes by developing children who are active and well.

Finally, Ali Oliver MBE, Chief Executive of the Youth Sport Trust, celebrated the successful approaches shared by other panellists, but warned too often these are isolated examples rather than because of a more systemic approach. At a time when so many policy processes are ongoing (see below), Ali explained there is a significant opportunity to unleash the power of play and sport, which is needed more than ever with a generation facing so many challenges. Ali ended by calling for a national ambition to underpin progress, supported by cross government join-up to make sure every child can access the life-changing benefits of play and sport.

At our event and more widely, we were delighted to be joined in attendance by colleagues from organisations including StreetGames, Women in Sport, Magic Breakfast, #BeeWell and many more who share our determination to give all children opportunities to be physically active every day. Outside our event, other highlights included:

• Speaking at a Centre for Social Justice and Parentkind event, Secretary of State for Education Bridget Phillipson highlighted the important role of school sport in giving children and young people a sense of purpose and belonging. Reflecting on her own school experience, she spoke of being part of her school’s first rugby team and the impact of her involvement, both in supporting school life and personal development. As the Government rolls out the new PE and School Sport Partnership Network, our hope is every child will be able to enjoy positive experiences through school sport. The Secretary of State also announced a further 2,000 primary schools will join the rollout of free breakfast clubs from April 2026, and it was positive to hear her reflect the potential of these to be about much more than just food.
• In his conference address, the Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke of the place of sport in our nation’s social fabric, including celebrating the success of the Lionesses and Red Roses over the summer. He told the story of Kaitlyn, a pupil who was frustrated by her schools’ lack of football team so decided to start one herself, demonstrating the determination of young people to create change and reflective of the young changemakers we work with every day. Not only is sport a great way to bring people together, but it can be a vehicle for delivering positive change, increasing access to experiences and opportunities, and empowering young people build the future they want.
• Lastly, Lisa Nandy (Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport) told an event hosted by Sky’s Emma Paton about her meeting with Sir Mo Farah on World Children’s Day last year. Sir Mo, our National School Sport Champion, and other high-profile athletes alongside leaders such as the Lionesses have consistently made the case for a focus on PE, sport and play. As the Secretary of State shared, in the development of the forthcoming National Youth Strategy, the Youth Advisory Board have told her access to sport, music and arts is essential for a good life. With opportunities including the new PE and School Sport Partnership Network, Curriculum and Assessment Review, Enrichment Framework and National Youth Strategy coming soon and with backing for our mission from so many leading figures, now is the time to deliver on that ambition.

We’ll be in Manchester for Conservative Party Conference next week, with highlights to follow soon. In the meantime, if you want further information about any of the above, please contact [email protected].