Engagement patterns in physical activity · GCSE PE

Personal factors affecting participation

Gender: stereotypes, fewer role models and less media coverage have meant fewer women and girls take part in some sports, although this is changing.
Age: older people may have less energy, more injuries or fewer suitable activities, while young people have more free time.
Ethnicity, religion and culture: some religions have rules about dress, mixed-gender sport or days of rest, and some groups are under-represented.
Socio-economic group: the cost of kit, travel, club fees and facilities can stop people on low incomes taking part.
Disability: a lack of accessible facilities, specialist equipment, coaches and competitions can be a barrier.

Family, friends and peers: encouragement and support increase participation; peer pressure can reduce it.
Education: PE lessons and school clubs introduce sports; exam pressure can reduce time for sport.
Environment and climate: access to facilities, such as a pool or mountains, and the weather.
Time, role models and media coverage: seeing people like you succeed on TV encourages participation.

Provide cheaper or free sessions, and accessible facilities.
Run women-only or disability-specific sessions, and adapt activities.
Promote role models from under-represented groups, and give more media coverage to women's and disability sport.
In Guernsey, the Island Games give local athletes a big international event to aim for.

Participation: Taking part in physical activity or sport.
Barrier: Something that stops a person taking part.
Socio-economic group: A group of people with similar income and social status.
Role model: A person others look up to and copy.
Stereotype: A fixed, oversimplified idea about a group of people.
Peer pressure: Influence from people of your own age.