Advice for this age group
Research indicates that inactive children are likely to become inactive adults, putting them at risk of developing life-threatening conditions such as heart disease and cancer. This is why it's important to encourage children to exercise from a young age.
Children need to do two types of physical activity each week; aerobic exercise and exercises to strengthen their muscles and bones. Children should be active for at least 60 minutes per day, taking part in a variety of types and intensities to develop movement skills, muscles and bones.
For lots more advice around physical activity guidelines visit: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/physical-activity-guidelines-children-and-young-people/
Physical Literacy
Help your child to become physically literate, enabling them to be active for life
A Physically Literate child
Enjoyment and Motivation – they enjoy physical activity and they have the motivation to take part (we make it fun and expose them to lots of opportunities so they can find activities that they like)
Confidence – they have the confidence to take part (we encourage them and create a safe, nurturing environment which will build their self-esteem and help them to feel confident)
Competence – they have the physical skills required to take part (through practice and teaching, we support them to develop and master skills which enable them to participate in a range of activities)
Knowledge and Understanding – they value physical activity and understand the health benefits (we help them to understand how to take part in physical activity safely and why it’s important as part of a healthy lifestyle)
Activity ideas
Work physical activity in to their daily life, by walking or scooting to school.
Be active as a family, go for dog walks or a bike ride!
Get them active at school, encourage them to take part in playground activities at break time or after school clubs.
Expose them to lots of different activities:
- Swimming
- Sports: football, rugby, hockey, netball, basketball, badminton, gymnastics, tennis etc
- Active hobbies e.g. scouts
- Dance and fitness
- Skateboarding or rollerblading
- Cycling and running
- Skipping
We have some family resources available here. We regularly share examples of fun activities on our social media channels. Check out @sportrct on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to take a look! We have lots of indoor and outdoor activity ideas on our App, along with instructions and videos. Download the FREE Leisure for Life app, add Sport RCT as a club and check it out!
Community Sport Programme
With our Community Sport Programme we aim to provide a range of opportunities for all ages and abilities, across Rhondda Cynon Taf. The programme below has been developed in partnership with a range of partners including National Governing Bodies and community clubs/groups. Some sessions are directly delivered by us, others are delivered by partners that we support. Click here for the full programme.
Community sports clubs
There are over 300 sports clubs in Rhondda Cynon Taf. The majority of these clubs provide opportunities for 5-11 year olds. We work with these clubs to ensure that they are providing safe, inclusive fun activities for children.
CLICK HERE to view our Sports Club Map and find sports clubs in your area.
Primary school sports clubs
We support primary schools to develop extra-curricular clubs during lunch time and after school. The majority of primary schools have club timetables which change each term. These clubs are a fantastic way for your child to try new sports and learn basic skills. Speak to your child’s school to find out what they offer.
Swimming lessons
Swimming is a fantastic life skill. Exposing your child to swimming lessons from a young age will develop confidence, reduce their fear of water and prepare them for their school swimming lessons. RCT Leisure for Life offer Junior Learn to Swim lessons for children aged 4 years plus. Visit the swim section for details
Active Homework / Bingo Cards
To support families and schools we have developed a range of resources that aim to get children more active. Active Homework booklets have been offered to primary schools as a way to encourage children to get active at home. Over the last year we have encouraged children and their families to get active by setting challenges during school holidays.
To see our range of resources please CLICK HERE.