Team GB star Lola Tambling calls on kids to step out of comfort zones and try new sports

FOUR in 10 kids have been prevented from trying a sport with cost – and lack of facilities – among the reasons why.

A poll, of 1,000 children aged five to 16, found 37 per cent have expressed a desire to try a sport or physical pursuit but have been prevented from doing so.

Their parents also participated in the study and it emerged lack of nearby facilities (44 per cent) is the biggest obstacle to doing the activities they really want to do.

With the expense (39 per cent) and the child’s lack of confidence (32 per cent) also barriers.

It comes as 38 per cent of kids revealed they aren’t interested in the majority of sporting activities and nine per cent only do exercise “because they have to”.

To address this, Olympic skateboarding sensation Lola Tambling has teamed-up with Weetabix, which commissioned the research, to call on young people to step out of their comfort zones and try new sports and physical activities.

The event was hosted at the BaySixty6 Skatepark in Notting Hill, London, with the 17-year-old teaching tips and tricks to fans and aspiring skaters.

She said: “Trying something new can be scary, but it’s also the first step towards discovering what you’re passionate about.

“Skateboarding changed my life. I want other kids to find their thing too.”

The research also found children are inspired to get active by their family (57 per cent), friends (53 per cent) and teachers (35 per cent).

PE at school is where kids are active most regularly (54 per cent), followed by walking – whether to school or with the dog (47 per cent), and playing football (45 per cent).

Other frequent pursuits include swimming (37 per cent), playground activities (34 per cent) and cycling (24 per cent).

While there are barriers to many kids doing the sports they want to do, they are managing to be active for 93 minutes a day – above national NHS guidelines.

Carried out through OnePoll, the research found 19 per cent have a preference for team sports, while 18 per cent like individual activities and 52 per cent like a bit of a mix of the two.

Speaking about the event – which included a Bix Breakfast Bar, giving guests the chance to try the new Weetabix Crispy Minis Caramelised Biscuit flavour – brand spokesperson Emily Hill said: “It’s great to hear that kids are getting plenty of daily activity.

“But when you listen to Lola talk about what skateboarding has given her outside the bowl, it makes you realise how significant the impact of enhancing participation in sport can be to youngsters, whatever sport that may be.

“That’s why we want to encourage the next generation to try new activities that might help them find a new hobby or passion.”