THE Sport and Recreation Alliance (SRA) is calling for urgent action to tackle the inactivity crisis among English children after research revealed that four out of five under-16s are not getting the minimum recommended amount of exercise.

According to guidance from the chief medical officer, “all children and young people should engage in moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity for at least 60 minutes and up to several hours every day,” with vigorous activities which “strengthen muscle and bone incorporated at least three days a week.”

Moderate activities are those which will raise the heartbeat, such as riding a bike or games in the playground, while vigorous activities could be running fast or sports such as football and swimming.