New online platform launched to support sports clubs across the South East

Nearly half of children in the area are not getting an hours exercise a day

Author: Scarlett Bawden-GaulPublished 30th Jun 2021

Figures show nearly half of children in the South East aren't getting the recommended hour of daily exercise.

Play Fund Win is a new digital platform aimed at helping local organisations and groups who focus on sport and exercise for children and young people.

According to figures share by them 45% of children in the South East are not getting the recommended hours exercise a day.

PFW also say 72 percent of primary schools in the UK have suspended extra-curricular activities and lots of grass root sports clubs are struggling financially.

Dan from PFW explains that when you look at the picture all together, children and organisations needs help if they're going to carry on the important work they do:

"The recommended 60 minutes a day has a range of benefits. Of course there is the physical benefit but there is also a mental benefit from physical activity.

"But also socially, children who play sports are 12% more likely to say they are satisfied in life. If you add to that most mental health challenges present by the time a person is 14 and physical activity has a benefit for so many aspects of their life.

"For us we have collectively wanted to do something with positive impact for children and sport for years and everything is tailored around having that impact on childrens lives.

"We want to make this process as simple as possible for the clubs, charities and organisation so that they can focus on their role in keeping children active."

The platform is already making a difference in the South East, working with Reading based Team Colostomy UK. Of his experience, Giovanni Cinque, Fundraising & Development Manager at Colostomy UK, said:

"Our team provides an opportunity for people to either play Rugby League for the first time or return to the sport. We play for fun, for friendship and to raise awareness in our community that while stoma surgery can be life changing, you can still achieve amazing things. We also paint a positive story for society and mainstream media, helping to #TackleTheStomaStigma.

"We're delighted to be participating in the Play Fund Win RFL community raffle as the funds raised will help us to expand our Rugby League project, giving more people the opportunity to get involved either as a player or volunteer."

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