Over the last few years, despite an increase in participation numbers, I have noticed a considerable difference in the level of fitness in children.
The players that are excelling, are predominantly the fittest and I believe that the reasons are simple. They are more active, more motivated, their attendance is excellent, they work harder in sessions, and they have far greater contact time with a ball. Nutrition and sleep will also come into it.
I have to admit that I have been concerned with the decline, in particular the 9-12 years age group, so I carried out a bit of further research to find numerous studies and reports supporting my observations and suggesting that children today are generally less physically fit than previous generations.
Evidence and Findings:
Decline in Aerobic Fitness: Research indicates a significant drop in children's aerobic fitness. For instance, a global analysis showed that children today take approximately 90 seconds longer to run a mile compared to their parents when they were young. This translates to about a 5% decline in heart-related fitness per decade since 1975.
Reduced Muscle Strength: Studies have also found a decrease in muscle strength among children. One study indicated that children in 1998 had, on average, 26% greater arm strength and a 7% stronger hand grip than children today. The number of sit-ups the average child could do also decreased significantly.
Increased Sedentary Behavior: A key factor contributing to this decline is the shift towards more sedentary lifestyles. Children today spend more time engaged in screen-based activities and less time in active outdoor play. Research has shown a correlation between increased screen time and lower levels of physical activity.
Obesity Rates: The rise in childhood obesity is another indicator of decreased fitness levels. Higher rates of obesity are often linked to lower levels of physical activity and poorer overall fitness.
Global Trends: This trend is not limited to a single country. Studies from around the world have reported similar declines in various aspects of physical fitness in children and adolescents.
Contributing Factors:
Increased Screen Time: The proliferation of digital devices and increased time spent on screens (TV, computers, video games, smartphones) often displace time that could be spent on physical activities. (At a recent camp, our 11-13 year olds average daily screen time was about 6 hours per day).
Changes in Lifestyle: Modern lifestyles often involve less physical exertion in daily routines compared to previous generations. Factors like increased reliance on cars and reduced physical activity in school settings contribute to this.
Fewer Opportunities for Unstructured Play: There's a decline in the amount of unstructured outdoor play, which is crucial for developing physical skills and fitness in children.
Dietary Changes: While some studies suggest children today consume fewer calories, the quality of diet and potential for increased processed food consumption could also play a role in overall health and fitness.
However, it's important to note some nuances:
Recent Data: Some recent data, such as the Aspen Institute's 2024 State of Play report, suggests that youth sports participation levels have rebounded post-COVID-19 and are at their highest since 2015. This indicates a potential positive shift in organised sports participation, although it doesn't necessarily reflect overall physical fitness or unstructured activity.
Focus on Specific Age Groups: Activity levels vary by age. For example, younger children (ages 5-6) tend to be more active than slightly older children (ages 7-9). Activity levels also tend to increase again in older teenagers (ages 13-16).
Positive Attitudes: Children with a more positive attitude towards exercise are more likely to be active, highlighting the importance of fostering a positive mindset towards physical activity.
In conclusion: While there's strong evidence suggesting a decline in overall physical fitness in children compared to past generations, recent increases in participation numbers offer a glimmer of hope. We have 400+ players a week and we want to help make them more engaged, more active and to live a healthy lifestyle.
As a coaching organisation, we have to do what we can to address the factors contributing to sedentary behavior and promote positive attitudes towards physical activity. This is crucial for improving children's fitness and long-term health.
We launched a 1% more every day campaign, have put on free additional Zoom sessions and we offer players the opportunity to attend another session if they miss their usual one. We are also pushing for Scotland's first outdoor street futsal court at the new Caledonia High School in Rosyth. A place where kids can hopefully congregate and play futsal for free!!
We want our players to be the best version of themselves that they possibly can, but that only comes with the child wanting to be better. It also comes with parents supporting the process.
We take enormous pride on seeing players we coach being successful and we want more of our players to share the same level of success but that doesn't come easy. You have to enjoy the process and to push yourself outside your comfort zone. I have to be honest and say that I don't see enough players doing that right now. That's a big reason for this blog because I do have concerns about the future. Together we can hopefully help change it!
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