The number of young people taking part in at least two hours of high quality PE and sport each week has risen dramatically in the last twelve months, a survey has shown.

The percentage of five to 16 year olds achieving the target has now reached 90 per cent. This figure is well above the national average of 86 per cent and represents an amazing increase of 19 per cent for York year on year.

The findings come from the latest PE School Sport Club Links (PESSCL) national survey of school sports partnerships.  The annual survey measures the performance of school sports partnerships in ten key areas of PE and school sport.

The survey also shows that the number of York pupils volunteering in school or community sporting activities has increased by 3.5 per cent  from last year, taking the total to 8.5 per cent. In addition, 6 per cent of pupils in York’s schools have been identified as being ‘gifted and talented’ in sport and many of them attended York’s first sporting gifted and talented camp in the summer. 

The survey also found that, on average, a total of 17 different sports or physical activities are offered by each of York’s schools to its pupils.  This includes activities in pre and after school clubs and lunchtimes, as well as during the school day.
Schools in the city achieve an average of 115 minutes per week of sport and PE lessons.

Liz Burkinshaw, the council’s PE and school sport consultant, said: "An improvement of nearly 20 per cent in the number of children taking part in at least two hours of quality sport and activity a week in just one year is absolutely astounding and full credit goes to all those involved in providing sporting activities for young people. 

"York is now above the national average in terms of young people's activity levels and are in a good position to improve again next year.  Our focus is now to encourage more people to take part in sporting, dance or multi skill clubs outside of the school day. Having such a broad range of opportunities offered to pupils means that they can have a more personalised experience of PE and school sport at school."

Anyone wanting more information about sports clubs for young people in York can  visit www.yortime.org or call the council’s community leisure team on 01904 553393.