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Top sports to take part in over the October half term

AS THE weather turns colder this October half term, new research has revealed that kids are not going to let this dampen their fun when it comes to the sports they will take part in.

A survey of more than 7,600 UK adults published by Decathlon in the Decathlon Activity Index 2018, shows that the majority of the top 10 sports taken part in over October half term take place outdoors.

In fact, the data found that children will play sport four times on average over the half term week in October.

Despite the colder weather at this time of year, predominantly eight of the top ten list are outdoor sports, with swimming and football found to be popular activities that children intend to take part in this half term.

This was closely followed by fitness with children intending to take part in this form of exercise over the upcoming half term.

Running was also a popular sport that children will enjoy participating in during the October half term, followed closely behind by cycling.

Hiking/Trekking and tennis were next on the list of sports and forms of exercise that children intend to take part in during the October half term.

Skiing/Snowboarding, camping and rugby rounded off the list of the top ten sports children intend to pick up in the break from school in October.

Of those whose said their child is likely to take part in sports over this October half term, more than half (64%) revealed they will do so it is because it is fun.

This was followed by 44% who said their little one has more free time during the October half term, which will enable them to participate in sports and exercise.

Philippe Rebelo, UK marketing director at Decathlon commented:

“It is interesting to see that as the weather turns colder this October half term, many youngsters will still be opting to take part in outdoor sports. From cycling to hiking, these sort of sports and exercise are a great way to get little ones outdoors during the October half term and make use of the additional spare time they will have on their hands. Parents can find it difficult to find stuff to do with the kids during the holiday, so sports are cheap, healthy and good fun for them.

Rebelo continued: “However, it is important that they play outdoors in the correct clothing for the cold weather, so they can focus on enjoying their favourite sports. Having the correct clothing can even tempt more reluctant kids to play outside as the clothing will keep them warm. There are plenty of affordable options out there for parents to choose when it comes to kids sports clothing for October half term.”

Top 10 Sports or Forms of Exercise for the October Half Term

  1.  Swimming – 43%
  2. Football – 35%
  3. Fitness – 24%
  4. Running – 21%
  5. Cycling – 20%
  6. Hiking/Trekking – 8%
  7. Tennis – 8%
  8. Skiing/Snowboarding – 7%
  9. Camping – 6%
  10. Rugby – 6%

The Decathlon Activity Index tracks rates of participation in sport and other physical activities across the year through a monthly, national survey.


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