Michael Wheeler MP has thrown his support behind National School Sports Week 2026, encouraging schools, families and communities across Worsley and Eccles to get involved in celebrating the benefits of sport, play and physical activity for young people.
The annual campaign, organised by the Youth Sport Trust, will take place from Monday 6 July to Sunday 12 July and aims to inspire children and young people to enjoy being active every day.
This year’s National School Sports Week comes during a major summer of international sporting events, including the Commonwealth Games, the Men’s Football World Cup and the Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup. Organisers hope the excitement generated by these competitions will encourage more young people to take part in sport and physical activity closer to home.
Several schools across Worsley and Eccles have already signed up to take part, including Holy Family Catholic Primary School, Irlam Endowed Primary School, Oakwood Academy, St Joseph the Worker RC Primary School and Wardley CofE Primary School.
The campaign promotes inclusive opportunities for all children to move more each day and supports guidance from the UK Chief Medical Officers, which recommends at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily for children and young people, and 20 minutes for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
It also highlights the role physical activity can play in supporting mental wellbeing, confidence and social development, particularly as schools continue to tackle challenges linked to inactivity and increased screen time.
Michael Wheeler MP said: “It’s so important that every child has the chance to experience the joy and confidence that comes from being active, whether that’s through sport, play or simply moving more during the day.
“I’m really pleased to be supporting National School Sports Week 2026 and even more pleased to see schools right here in Worsley & Eccles already getting involved.
“Holy Family Catholic Primary School, Irlam Endowed Primary School, Oakwood Academy, St Joseph the Worker RC Primary School and Wardley CofE Primary School are all helping lead the way, and I hope many more will join them.
“Sport has a unique way of bringing people together, building confidence and helping young people feel their best, and that’s something worth celebrating.”
Ali Oliver MBE, Chief Executive of the Youth Sport Trust, said the week is an opportunity to showcase the positive impact of movement and physical activity on young people’s lives.
She said: “National School Sports Week is all about celebrating the fun, inclusive and inspiring power of sport and movement.
“While we continue to see challenges around inactivity and increasing screen time, there is real cause for optimism. More children are moving than in recent years, and many are telling us they want more opportunities to be active.
“With a huge summer of sport ahead, we hope schools and communities use this moment to inspire every young person to find a way of moving that they enjoy.”
Schools, families and organisations interested in taking part can register free of charge through the Youth Sport Trust.
National School Sports Week has become one of the UK’s largest celebrations of children’s physical activity, bringing together schools, community groups and families to encourage healthier, happier and more active lifestyles.
