Survey Shows Most Popular Sport For Children In Wales

Swimming is the most popular sport for children in Wales with rugby just 3rd, according to research from BT Coaching for Life. Nearly half of children between the age of 6 and 11 are swimming on a regular basis with football on second with 45% of children taking part.

The survey also showed that nearly two thirds of Welsh parents believed that joining sports teams and clubs will ensure their child’s circle of friends will grow.

The research found that being involved in sports not only means children are more social, but they are better behaved too, nearly half (44 per cent) of teachers surveyed said sporty children concentrate more and are well behaved in class. Ann Beynon, BT director for Wales, said: “Sports play a really beneficial role in children’s lives and can make a big difference in terms of health, well being and performance in other areas of life.

“As a sustainability partner to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, BT is encouraging parents and carers to help children try different sports together by introducing parents to key coaching principles they can adopt to help children get better at anything they tackle with the Coaching for Life programme.

“Whether your child belongs to every club going or just enjoys playing with friends in the park, it’s important they get plenty of physical activity. Sports don’t just have to be restricted to school or after school clubs.

“Parents need to make the most of their weekends and get involved with sports with their kids, and use the skills learnt through sport as a way of educating children about other areas of life.”

10 Most Popular Welsh Sports:

1. Swimming – 48 per cent

2. Football – 45 per cent

3. Rugby – 35 per cent

4. Martial arts – 14 per cent

5. Athletics – 13 per cent

6. Netball/Gymnastics – 12 per cent

8. Ballet/dancing classes – 11.33 per cent

9.Tennis – 9 per cent

10. Hockey – 7 per cent

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