Consultation on Giving Children and Young People a Sporting Chance

Date: 14th January 2014
Category: Education, Leisure and Cultural Activities, Disability, Basic Health and Welfare

The Scottish Government is seeking views on 'Giving Children and Young People a Sporting Chance - A Draft Strategy for Scotland'.

This consultation seeks the views of children and young people and a range of others who are involved in youth sports including parents and coaches, volunteers and delivery bodies on the vision and content of the draft Strategy.

• Download the draft strategy here.

The importance of being physically active is widely understood. The Scottish Government has stated that they want all children and young people to enjoy the benefits of an active life and that the benefits are many: better health, greater wellbeing, opportunities to develop skills, confidence and for many, the opportunities to make and grow friendships at every age.

Article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) includes that "States Parties recognize the right of the child to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child and to participate freely in cultural life and the arts".

With regard to education and leisure, the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child also recommended in its 2008 UK Concluding Observations that the UK "should pay particular attention to provide children, including those with disabilities, with adequate and accessible playground spaces to exercise their play and leisure activities."

This highlights the importance of assessing the diverse needs of all children and young people and offering the necessary support so that every child and young person has their right to engage in leisure activities upheld.

The final Strategy and Action Plan will be published in spring 2014.

• Find out more and download a consultation response form here.