Children Tend to Follow the Activities That Their Parent Did Or Support the Same Team

Family

Children tend to follow the activities that their parent did or support the same team.

E.g. Dad played rugby so I do.

Peers

People tend to be happier or more likely to participate if their friends also participate.

E.g. I wanted to go to badminton at lunch but none of my friends wanted to go.

Role Models

People like David Beckham, Andy Murray, Kelly Holmes all inspire others to take part in their chosen sport. They also carry the responsibilities such as not getting involved in drugs etc

Fashion

You often need the right equipment to take part in sport. Some brands of sports gear are more fashionable than others so is also more expensive.

Media Coverage

When an event is shown on TV sports participation in that sport often become more popular. E.g. more people take up Tennis when Wimbledon is on.

Disability

People with disabilities can now take part in many activities. More opportunities and resources are now increasing.

e.g. school clubs such as boccia. Adapted wheelchairs.

Age

More people take part in sport when they are younger than when they are older.

There are however a lot of age restrictions on sports e.g. you must be over 18 to compete in the London marathon

There are more and more sports becoming available to older age groups e.g. over 50’s swimming classes

Ethnicity/Race

Taking up sport may be influenced by ethnic background. E.g. there are few black golfers.

Also a lot of Asian women are often steered away from sport due to issues with revealing their body and they are usually expected to stay and look after the home.

Gender

Most activities are no longer restricted to Men or Women.

Some activates are however more associated with men than women and vice versa. For example a man who wants to play netball may struggle to find a netball team to play in And often Female rugby teams or cricket teams are often taken less seriously and struggle for numbers.

Availability

People need suitable facilities and resources to take part in activities e.g. local clubs, playing surfaces

Location

It can depend on what’s available in your local area e.g. a climbing wall, Cycle velodrome.

Access to facilities

For example some places may require transport by car or public services. If you do not have a car or there is not a bus/train near by this may put people off.

Time

Having the time available around work or studies.

More leisure centres are now running late night openings or clubs train after work/school hours.

Illness and Injury

Illnesses & injuries can limit peoples ability to participate.

e.g. asthmatics may finding running activities difficult.

Cost

Hire of facilities

Lessons

Equipment

Club/membership fees

All cost money and so can depend on how wealthy you are.

Running may be inexpensive but golf requires golf clubs, membership fees, lessons, dress code etc.