Little Athletes
Little Athletes is a weekly physical activity programme for parents, carers and children under five. Through fun, play-based sessions, we support early years movement while creating welcoming spaces for families to connect, socialise and feel supported.
Delivered in partnership with Sure Start Children’s Centres, the programme removes barriers to participation by offering free sessions in trusted community settings.
Why it's needed
Only 9% of children aged 2-4 meet recommended physical activity guidelines, despite early movement being critical to physical, social and emotional development.
At the same time, 63% of parents report feeling lonely post-pandemic, highlighting the need for supportive environments that benefit both children and caregivers.
Ways we make a difference
- Provide weekly, age-appropriate physical activity that supports the recommended 180 minutes of daily movement for under-fives
- Use fun, inclusive activities that develop motor skills, coordination and confidence
- Encourage shared play between children, parents and carers to strengthen relationships
- Create opportunities for parents and carers to socialise and access family-support services
- Offer safe, welcoming café spaces after sessions to reduce isolation and build communit
2,160
free session passes delivered in 2024
Increased access
to early years physical activity for families facing financial barriers
"We've been coming to Little Athletes since my son could crawl and he loves running around everywhere. It's the one activity we do together and we get to meet and chat to lots of different people every week"
Make a difference, fuel the future
Help us give children the best start in life through movement and play by supporting the Little Athletes programme.
