Sports Age Group Analysis
In regard to young athletes under the age of 18, an estimated 1.7 million (63%) children participated in some form outside of school hours towards the end of 2009. The three age groups to participate in sport the most; consisted of 5 to 8 year olds with 65%, 9 to 11 year olds sitting at 68% and 12 to 14 year olds with 68% (Statistics, 2009). However, not only did this age group have the highest participation among the other 3 groups. But, the age group had a vast difference in comparing boys and girls with 74% and 55% respectively. More specifically, the most popular sports among boys consisted of swimming, outdoor soccer and football, sitting on 19% (502,900), 13% (360,400) and 9% (235,100). In comparison to girls, which also had swimming,
netball and gymnastics among the favorites with (20% or 262,800), (17% or 225,000) and (8% or 101,200), respectively.
netball and gymnastics among the favorites with (20% or 262,800), (17% or 225,000) and (8% or 101,200), respectively.