1.1.2a – Key influences that impact on
sustained involvement in physical
activity
Learning objectives
-To understand the influences on choice of physical activity and sport
in young people.
-To describe relevant examples of each of the factors below:
1. People
2. Image
3. Cultural factors
4. Resources
5. Health and Well Being
6. Socio-economic
Name as many influencing
factors that will impact on our
decision to take part in sport?
Key influences on physical activity opportunities
There are many influences on an individual to become
involved in sport.
The 6 influences categories are:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
People
Image
Cultural factors
Resources
Health and Well Being
Socio-economic
1. People
THINK: What PEOPLE influence us when deciding what
sports to participate in?
Family
Children often take part in
the same activities as their
parents.
They will usually receive
financial support to continue
it too. (costs many include
kit, subscription and travel
costs).
Peers
Peers are individuals of the same age (your friends).
It is much easier to succeed in an activity when you have
the encouragement and support of your friends.
Role models
There are many role models in sport and these can be a
strong deciding factor in what sport we choose. The
greater the media coverage of these performers the more
we aspire to be like them.
Who is a role model in
sport? And why?
2. Image
Fashion
Some brands of sports equipment are very fashionable.
Role models and popular teams have a huge influence on
what we buy.
i.e. Football shirts, NIKE trainers
Sales of equipment and clothing can be influenced by
seasonal tournaments. i.e. During Wimbledon lots of
people buy tennis rackets
Media Coverage
Sport using a variety of media outlets to promote and
report to a wide audience. This can influence our choice of
physical activity.
e.g. London Marathon
Many competitors are
inspired to run the London
Marathon after watching it
on T.V.
3. Cultural Factors
Age:
Age can put limits on what sport an individual may take
up. Depending on the size of the club they may have a
team at each age group. (i.e. U8’s, U10’s)
Some competitive
events have an age
restriction.
i.e. To run the London
Marathon you must
be 18.
Cultural Influences
Age:
Age can put limits on what sport an individual may take up.
Depending on the size of the club they may have a team at
each age group.
Young people have a wide
variety of opportunity to
access sports clubs and
teams.
Schools encourage mass
participation during PE lesson
and extend to after school
clubs
Disability:
Sport is encouraged to all regardless of disability. They
often compete against similar groups or can be mixed with
able-bodied. Most facilities cater for disabled access.
Oscar Pistorius is a double leg
amputee but competes in able
bodied races.
Some people have claimed he
has an unfair advantage over
others due to his gastrocnemius
not becoming fatigued.
Gender:
Males and females are both encouraged to take part in
sport. Some sports still have more opportunities for either
girls or boys.
i.e. A boy who loves
netball may struggle to
find a team.
Women’s cricket and football are taken less seriously
than men’s. It also receives less media coverage than
men’s sport.
Is that fair?
Race:
Taking up a sport or activity may be influenced by ethnic
background. i.e. Cricket is very popular among Asian
countries
Why are there are
less black tennis
players/golfers than
footballers?
4. Resources
Availability:
Some facilities for sport are not financially or practically
possible to have. i.e. a climbing wall.
Access:
Where the access for a facility is good
there is generally more participants.
Good transport links and parking
means more people can access the
club easily.
Location:
Naturally the location of activities are important. Outdoor
pursuits centres are common in Wales where there is a
big outdoor space. i.e. National park.
Time:
The amount of free time will determine
how much involvement an individual
can devote to a sport.
5. Health and Wellbeing
Illness and health problems will restrict the amount of
participation possible. People with asthma may be limited to
certain activities or to a low intensity of exercise.
6. Socio-economic
Socio-economic status:
The amount of money people earn and their occupation
will influence what sport they choose to participate in.
Lower paid people tend to
not be able to afford sports
that require expensive
equipment.
i.e. Cricket, Golf and Tennis
Cost:
All activities have an associated cost.
i.e. The hire of facilities, lessons, equipment & footwear.
If people cannot afford the
equipment or fees then this
will affect their involvement.
ACTIVITY:
Name at least 4 activities in each box.
Less than £50 to take part in:
Between £50- £150 to do:
Over £300 to participate in:
Exam Question Practice:
1. Chloe is a good all-round sports performer and could
represent her school in many different sports. Evaluate the
potential influence of different factors on Chloe’s
choice of physical activities.
(6 marks)
Exam Question Marks Scheme
Cultural:
Age – is Chloe old enough to take part in the activity? eg some distance
running events
Disability – does Chloe have any disability that might prevent her from taking
part in some activities?
Gender – is the activity available for a girl?
Race – does Chloe’s race/culture/religion restrict the activities she is able to
take part in? eg dress
Image: Fashion – is the activity, and any associated resources (clothing, equipment)
fashionable?
Media coverage – does the activity get media coverage?
People: Family – are Chloe’s family involved/not involved in the activity (playing,
coaching)? Will Chloe be introduced to the activity by her family?
Peers – are Chloe’s peers involved/not involved in the activity?
Role models – does the activity have positive/influential role models?
Resources: Access – can Chloe get transport to the activity?
Availability – does Chloe have the resources to take part in the activity, can
she get them? eg equipment
Location – do the resources exist locally?
Socio-economic: Cost – can Chloe afford to take part? eg membership, equipment
Status – is the activity seen as appropriate? eg polo or football