PARTICIPATION IN SPORT AND PHYSICAL RECREATION
- There were 11.1 million people aged 15 years and over (64% of the adult population) who participated in physical activities for recreation, exercise or sport at some time during the 12 months prior to interview in 2009-10. Of these people, 4.5 million (26%) participated in organised sport and physical recreation.
- The most popular physical recreation activity for both men and women was walking for exercise, however, the participation rate was much higher for women (30%) than it was for men (16%).
- There were 1.7 million children aged 5 to 14 years (63%) who participated in organised sport outside of school hours during the 12 months ending April 2009.
- The most popular organised sport for boys was soccer (outdoor) which had 277,800 participants (20%), whereas for girls it was swimming with 262,800 participants (20%).