New national figures reveal that children and young people in Sunderland are now more physically active than the UK average. More than half are getting at least an hour of activity each day, helping to establish healthy habits for the future.
According to the latest Active Lives Children and Young People Survey, 50.2% of Sunderland’s 5–18-year-olds meet the recommended daily activity guidelines, slightly higher than the UK average of 49.1%.
The findings also show strong year on year progress across the city. The number of children and young people who are regularly active in Sunderland has risen from 44.9% in 2023–24 to 50.2% in 2024–25. This shows the impact of ongoing work across schools, clubs and community organisations to create supportive environments that make it easier for children to move, play and enjoy activity every day.
The number of children classed as less active and doing less than 30 minutes of physical activity per day has also fallen significantly, from 35.8% in 2023–24 to 29.7% in 2024–25.
Across the city, there has been a growing number of regular opportunities for children to be active. Hetton Lyons Junior Parkrun, which launched in May 2025, has already delivered 36 events with 423 finishers taking part. Mowbray Junior Parkrun, running since July 2023, has now held 120 events, attracting 522 individual finishers and recording a total of 3,401 finishes. These regular, accessible opportunities are helping more children build confidence, fitness and enjoyment through running.
Alongside this, Sunderland’s three ParkPlay sessions in Hendon, Houghton and Pallion have seen numbers grow since April 2025. ParkPlay offers free weekly games and activities for all ages, providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive way for families and communities to get active together. The sessions focus on fun, connection and movement, helping to make physical activity part of everyday life.
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.”
Sunderland City Council 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.
For more information about Park Runs visit parkrun | junior parkrun and to find out about ParkPlay visit Events – ParkPlay
