Active Children and Young People

A key GM Moving in Action priority is to ensure that children and young people lead active lives, moving every day, with greater choice, say, and independence in when and how they move in safe, age-appropriate spaces. 

Movement, physical activity, and sport are vital to children and young people’s social, emotional, and physical development, while also providing a safe and supportive space. 

Childhood presents a pivotal point in a person’s life to influence life-long engagement in physical activity. It provides an opportunity to help shape the habits and behaviours of future generations, which is achieved by Physical Literacy, our relationship with movement and physical activity throughout life.

The latest 2023-24 Active Lives data shows 29.8% of children and young people in Greater Manchester are classed as less active. This rate is lower (better) than the last 12 months. 

Activity levels are the highest they have ever been, however, we are not seeing a reduction in inequalities across GM. The emphasis is on tackling inequalities.   

In Greater Manchester, activity levels are lower among girls, disabled children, children from low-income families, and young people of and young people of Asian, Black (African or Caribbean), mixed, and White non-British heritage. This can lead to long-term health inequalities—for example, disabled children are more likely to be sedentary, increasing their risk of obesity and related health problems. 

Our Priority Areas