New analysis from the Youth Sport Trust highlights the long-term consequences of declining physical activity among children.
Using AI-based modelling and new Sport England social value data, the report warns that without urgent action, the next decade will see worsening health, wellbeing and educational outcomes for young people.
The Class of 2035 report forecasts:
- sharp rises in childhood inactivity, obesity and screen-time if current trends continue
- a third of children may not achieve even 30 minutes of activity a day by 2035, and obesity among 10-to-11-year-olds could reach 24%
- Sport England estimates that children’s physical activity currently generates £8bn in healthcare savings and £14.1bn in wellbeing value, benefits at risk if activity continues to decline
- wider impacts including poorer mental health, lower happiness, reduced school engagement and lower life chances
In response, Youth Sport Trust has launched the Sport Changes Lives Commission to bring together experts and publish recommendations in early 2026 to reverse negative trends and help secure better health, wellbeing and future prospects for young people.