Stop the drop: Tackling the fall-off in children participating in sport

Initiatives to keep young people involved in sport are bearing fruit, though a notable gender gap persists, writes Danielle Barron

Rhasidat Adeleke: 'Sport has more to offer than success. The social aspect, your physical health … it gives so much more than winning.' Photo: Dan SheridanInpho

For its small size, Ireland has produced more than its fair share of world-class sportspeople. But, despite their sporting idols providing inspiration for children and young adults, the fall-off in participation in sport after primary-school age remains a cause for concern.

The good news is that the issue is firmly on the radar of the Government and sporting bodies, which have been researching the reasons for and possible solutions to the decline in sports participation as children progress through school and into adulthood.