adminAN increase in the number of women playing sport has driven improved participation figures, according to the latest survey by Sport England.
People regularly playing sport stands at 15,74 million over 12 months, a rise of 1,65 million since 2005/06.
Bucking the normal trend, the number of women playing sport and being active is increasing faster than men.
Swimming remains the top sport overall but continues to decline, with athletics a close second and rising.
Sport England’s Active People Survey began in 2005/06 and measures the number of people taking part in sport across the nation, with findings published every six months.
There was good news for tennis, cricket, boxing and rugby union, with increases in the numbers taking part but football and cycling experienced falls.
Participation figures for lower socio-economic groups and disabled people were low and remain static.
“It’s good news that more women are playing sport, and driving an overall increase in the numbers,” said Jennie Price, Sport England’s chief executive.
“It’s particularly great to see This Girl Can is making a real difference. That’s because we’ve really focused on what drives women’s attitudes and behaviours.
“If we’re to see a further step change in the total number of people playing sport, we need to take a similar, consumer-focused approach in areas where the figures are stubbornly low, like disability and lower socio-economic groups.”
The number of people playing regular sport in England rose by 245 000 in the year to September, with the number of women participating regularly up by 150 000. The top five sports in which adults take part at least once a week are: Swimming (2,5 million), Athletics(2,3 million), Cycling (2,0 million), Football(1.8 million), Golf(0,74 million) – BBC Sport.
Online Reporter