Trends in participation

Trends in Participation in the Sport and Active Leisure Industry

  • Participation in sport and active leisure often varies with age and life-stage.
  • Teens and young adults often have higher rates of participation in sport.
  • However, people in their mid to late 20s often exhibit a decline in sport participation, largely due to work and family commitments.
  • There has been a growing trend of increased sports and leisure activity among older adults, often fuelled by a desire to stay healthy and active.
  • Historically, men have been more likely to participate in sports than women.
  • However, recent trends show rapid growth in female participation in sport and active leisure.
  • Efforts are continuously being made to promote a greater gender balance in sports participation.
  • Participation rates also vary according to social class and income.
  • Affluence often enables greater participation due to the cost of sports equipment, club memberships and travel expenses.
  • However, initiatives to make sports more accessible, such as public facilities and funding schemes, are contributing to a gradual increase in participation across all social classes.
  • Sport and active leisure participation can vary according to ethnicity and culture.
  • Some minority ethnic groups have been found to have lower rates of sports participation; efforts are ongoing to address this disparity.
  • Cultural factors, such as the preference for certain sports, can influence patterns of participation.
  • There has been a significant positive trend in sport and active leisure participation among people with disabilities.
  • Adapted sports and inclusive fitness activities are becoming more widely available, leading to increased participation rates in this demographic.
  • Sport and active leisure participation can also differ across various geographical regions.
  • Variables such as availability of facilities, local influences, and even climate can affect sport and active leisure trends.
  • The rise of fitness apps, online workout programmes and wearable tech has significantly influenced current trends in sports and leisure participation.
  • The media plays a crucial role in promoting different sports, athletes and events, thus influencing participation trends.

Understanding these trends can support more inclusive, targeted, and effective strategies to encourage a wider range of individuals to engage with sport and active leisure.