Where children play sport: A comparative analysis of participation in organised sport in school and club settings

Issue addressed The health benefits for children of regular physical activity (PA) are well documented. This study examined relationships between organised sport participation in multiple settings and child and household-level characteristics. Methods Using a general population survey of Queensland children's health and lifestyle characteristics, participation in organised sport was examined in (a) club settings, (b) club-based team and individual organised sport settings and (c) school settings. The association between organised sport participation in these settings and meeting the Australian PA guidelines was also considered. Results Organised sport participation prevalence was 46% (both school and club settings), 16% (club sport only), 20% (school sport only) and 18% (neither setting). Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated participation in one setting increased the odds of participation in other settings, exclusive participation in individual sport decreased the odds of school sport participation and organised sport participation was not associated with meeting recommended PA guidelines for children. Conclusions The study highlights areas where the contribution of organised sport to PA more broadly could be strengthened. Organised sport participation, however, was not sufficient to meet the child PA guidelines. The home environment, availability of parents and guardians and PA opportunities in other settings, such as school, free time and active transport, are as important to increasing children's PA levels. So what? While organised sport is an important component towards meeting PA guidelines, PA policy and program development should consider strategies to encourage PA in other settings to help children achieve health-enhancing levels of PA that are sustained into adulthood.