It stands to reason that a child engaged in healthy active hobbies and enjoying after school clubs, is a child who, during that time, is not sitting in front of a TV or computer screen or staring at a smartphone. And that will become an increasingly important fact as these tech items increasingly dominate the lives of younger generations.

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It is also no secret that obesity and weight related conditions such as diabetes are also worryingly prevalent in younger age groups and the facts and figures are getting worse. Yet these problems are relatively easily addressed and physical activity is a key answer to the problem.

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According to The World Health Organisation (WHO), ‘Childhood obesity is one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st  century. The prevalence has increased at an alarming rate. Overweight and obese children are likely to stay obese into adulthood and more likely to develop diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular conditions at a younger age.’

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WHO adds that, ‘Overweight and obesity and their related diseases, are largely preventable. Prevention of childhood obesity therefore needs high priority’.

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After school activities of the sort we run are very mindful of this. Promoting a healthier lifestyle, making it fun and accessible is crucial for keeping children fit and healthy in the present, but also setting in motion good habits that they can carry with them for a lifetime. And the benefits of this are immeasurable.