England Athletics, the development body for running and athletics in the England, as well as its official charity partner, the Personal Best Foundation has announced a new partnership with Citroën.
The partnership comes on the back of research by Citroën to parents that found on average, British children spend 4.75 hours a week exercising, while the Chief Medical Officers recommend at least 60 minutes every day.
The partnership was announced at Sowe Valley Primary school, Coventry with Team GB Paralympian and Personal Best Foundation Ambassador, Hannah Cockroft CBE, where pupils took part in a morning of sports and activities with the organisations.
Cllr Dr Kindy Sandhu, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: "This event was a wonderful example of what happens when education and sport come together to inspire young people. Giving every child, regardless of background or ability, the opportunity to be active, confident and included is at the heart of what we aim for in Coventry’s schools. It’s especially meaningful to see inclusive sport embedded in learning and I’m proud that our city is leading the way with programmes like this.”
Cllr Kamran Caan, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Sport, said: “It was fantastic to see the energy and excitement at Sowe Valley Primary School as children took part in inclusive athletics led by Hannah Cockroft. Initiatives like this are exactly what we need to tackle inactivity and the health inequalities that affect so many of our communities. Encouraging active lifestyles from an early age is key to improving long-term physical and mental health across Coventry and this partnership is a powerful step in the right direction.”
England Athletics’ purpose is to inspire individuals of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to take up running and athletics, fulfil their potential and develop a lifelong love of the sport.
According to Sport England’s annual Active Lives survey 2023/24, only 47% of children are meeting the UK’s Chief Medical Officer’s recommended daily activity levels**, with children from low-income families and underserved communities the least likely to be active.
According to Citroen’s own research, it found that a lack of time and interest were cited by over a third of parents as the main barriers to getting their children to exercise. Around one in eight toddlers and primary school-aged children in England are categorised as obese.
In year 6, the prevalence of obesity alone in children is 22.7% and for those living in the most deprived areas this increases to 30.2%.
The UK has some of the poorest child mental health outcomes globally, with the cost of living crisis further limiting opportunities for physical activity. Inequality and poverty put the opportunity for organised exercise and activity beyond the reach of around 4 million children and young people across the UK.
The partnership between Citroën, England Athletics and Personal Best Foundation will help to change this, as initially 15 primary schools - prioritising those with the greatest need and children most at risk of inactivity - in Coventry, Warwickshire and Ellesmere Port, close to Citroen Headquarters, will benefit from free weekly after-school athletics programmes. In addition, free training for the teachers in the schools will allow the programme to be continued and ensure that running, jumping and throwing have a place in the curriculum.
The partnership will also support young, up and coming athletes in England through England Athletics’ National and Age group championships and its Talent Pathway Programme, which aims to help gifted young athletes progress to be the international athletics stars of the future.
England Athletics, Chief Executive Officer, Chris Jones, said: “We are proud to welcome Citroën into the England Athletics family. This partnership supports our shared commitment to sustainability and making athletics more accessible for young people. Through our Personal Best Foundation, Citroën’s support will help young people in schools across England experience athletics and will open the doors of opportunity for some of the most disadvantaged children and young people in England.
“Citroën’s backing of our national events and talent programmes - supported by Citroën’s electric vehicles - aligns with our drive for a more sustainable future and our approach to encourage our network of athletes and clubs to adopt more sustainable practices.”
Chris Theobold, Sales and Operations Director, Citroën UK, added: “We’re proud that our partnership with England Athletics will give young people access to sport and exercise, help improve young people’s lives and offer support to the next generation of talent.
“The statistics on childhood inactivity and health is very concerning and we are very happy to be able to make running, jumping and throwing more accessible, just as we are making electric vehicles accessible to all. In partnering with England Athletics and its official charity, we believe we can help make a difference and give school children in some of the country’s less fortunate areas the chance to enjoy the benefits of athletics, be active and have fun. Whilst also supporting elite talent on the pathway to success.”
Hannah Cockroft CBE, Personal Best Foundation Ambassador and England Athletics Sustainability Ambassador, said: “It’s fantastic to be part of this exciting new partnership between England Athletics, the Personal Best Foundation, and Citroën. It’s a privilege to meet the school children today and see first-hand how powerful sport can be in changing lives and helping young people discover what they are truly capable of.
“I passionately believe that every young person should have the access and the opportunities to experience the physical and mental benefits of sport irrespective of their background or personal circumstances. It’s also great to see a partnership with a real commitment to sustainability, promoting a healthier, more active, and more responsible future.”
You can find out more about the partnership and England Athletics at englandalthetics.org.