Why physical activity matters for young people: How SELFA supports health, confidence and wellbeing

Posted: 10th April 2026

At SELFA, we know how important it is for children and young people to be active. Not only is exercise good for physical health, it has huge benefits for mental health too – and acts as a natural mood booster by releasing feel-good hormones that reduce stress and anxiety.

Despite this, very few young people get enough exercise, particularly across the North. According to a report by universities including the University of Bradford, nearly a third of children and young people in England are classed as inactive, achieving less than an average of 30 mins of physical activity per day.

There are many reasons why this is, from increased academic pressure at school to a lack of safe, accessible, and affordable places to play outside. Around 540,000 children in the UK – 5-6% of young people – have clinically significant difficulties with movement skills which negatively impact their ability to engage with physical activity and education.

How we get active at SELFA

This is where we step in – supported by generous organisations like the Hargreaves Foundation. Established in 2020, this grant-making charitable foundation helps charities that provide sport and education opportunities to young people under 18 who are living with mental health challenges, physical disabilities or the effects of poverty.

Thanks to their support, we’ve managed to hire sports coaches, support staff for exercise-focused activities, activity days, healthy snacks, transport for rurally-isolated young people to and from venues, sports kits, and more.

“Physical exercise and movement is an essential part of development for children and young people,” says Nicole Morgan, a children & young people’s worker at SELFA. “It’s very much part of what we do, whether it’s a short circle game to close the session, a ten-minute movement break or a full game of football rounders. 

“Movement brings the group together, teaches them to communicate and work as a team whilst building the resilience that children need to prepare them for everyday life.”

The school holidays can be a difficult time for many vulnerable children, who may not have the opportunities to stay active. So, we make sure we have plenty of fun activities planned. This year, children from North Craven Primary took part in football zorbing, indoor and outdoor climbing, swimming, golf and walks in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside.

“Behaviour is the thing that is most impacted by physical exercise,” says Morgan. “Children who ordinarily struggle to regulate are suddenly able to problem solve, support their friends and concentrate fully on the task at hand, it is amazing to see! I find the children thrive and grow so much in confidence whilst stepping out of their comfort zone, trying something new and moving.”