Image: Girls are being 'put off' sport at school

A new report published by the Women's Sport and Fitness Foundation (WSFF) has revealed that school PE lessons are "putting off" girls from participating in physical activity.

The new WSFF study is based on research by the Institute of Youth Sport at Loughborough University, which includes the views of 1,500 school children about their attitude to sport and exercise.

More than half of all girls (51 per cent) said their experiences of school sport and PE lessons had deterred them from taking part in sport, while 45 per cent believe that sport is "too competitive".

Other findings included in the report show that more than half of all boys and girls agree that "there are more opportunities for boys to succeed in sport than girls".

The WSFF report also contains recommendations to help girls enjoy sport and to maintain a healthy lifestyle, with just 12 per cent of 14-year-old girls getting enough physical activity.

WSFF chief executive Sue Tibballs said: "Our research shows that PE and school sport is actually putting the majority of girls off being active, even though three quarters of girls are keen to do more exercise.

"Some schools are leading the way in delivering exciting and inclusive PE lessons, but there is still a great deal to be done. And, with sport front of mind in 2012, now is the ideal time to do it."

Details: www.wsff.org.uk

Image: Peter Bernik/shutterstock.com