Too many of us were traumatised by sport at school – but it’s never too late to change | Cath Bishop

A recent study showed millions are put off by early experiences of physical education. But sport can bring camaraderie and joy

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here is a disconnect between the proliferation of reports recommending we should be more active and actual levels of activity, that are scarcely budging. Sports councils, health bodies, charities and thinktanks are piling up the evidence that sport and physical activity help us live healthier, happier lives, improve academic attainment at school and productivity at work, connect our communities and help prevent crime and reoffending. Why can’t we turn this into reality?

Reports often call for better coordination, including the recent House of Commons inquiry Game On: Community and School Sport. But sport and physical activity remains poorly linked among schools, sports clubs, community organisations, parks and playgrounds. In an era of superintelligence and rockets flying around the moon, surely we could do better?

Structural change and innovation is needed. Mark Davies, an entrepreneur and former chair of British Rowing and Archery GB, has long advocated linking local schools and sports clubs, an idea flagged when Tracey Crouch was sports minister (2015-2018). Frustrated by inaction, Davies set up The Big Map to enable schools and clubs to connect, directly and link with funders to explore more entrepreneurial ways to make this happen.