Sunderland children more active than national average

In Sunderland, 50.2 per cent of five to 18-year-olds now meet the recommended daily activity levels, just outpacing the UK average of 49.1 per cent, according to the report.

These findings, published in the latest Active Lives Children and Young People Survey, reveal steady improvement across the city, with the proportion of active children rising from 44.9 per cent in 2023 and 2024.

Councillor Beth Jones, cabinet member for communities, culture, and tourism, said: “These results are extremely encouraging and show the positive difference being made across Sunderland to help children and young people be more active.

“This progress is a credit to Active Sunderland and our leisure partners, Everyone Active and Leisure United, as well as our schools, community groups, partners, sports clubs, and families who are creating more and more opportunities for young people to move, play, and take part in a range of activities every day.”

The proportion of children classed as “less active” – those doing less than 30 minutes of physical activity per day – has also dropped, from 35.8 per cent in 2023/24 to 29.7 per cent in 2024/25.

Across Sunderland, children are benefitting from more opportunities to get active.

Hetton Lyons Junior Parkrun, launched in May 2025, has held 36 events with 423 finishers.

Mowbray Junior Parkrun, running since July 2023, has seen 120 events, 522 individual finishers, and 3,401 finishes overall.

Sunderland’s three ParkPlay sessions in Hendon, Houghton, and Pallion have also grown in popularity since April 2025.

ParkPlay offers free weekly games and activities for all ages, designed to help families and communities get moving in a safe and inclusive environment.

Sunderland City Council say they will continue working with partners across the city to expand access to sport, play and active travel, ensuring even more children can benefit from regular physical activity.