Former England men’s football manager Gareth Southgate said some families in the United Kingdom cannot afford to buy sports and PE kit for their children [1].
This lack of equipment creates a barrier to physical education, potentially isolating children from sports and increasing sedentary behavior during a period of significant economic pressure [5].
Southgate said the Multibank charity campaign is a solution to this issue. The initiative provides essential items, including sports equipment, to families across the U.S. and UK who are struggling financially [1, 2]. By supplying the necessary gear, the campaign aims to ensure that children are not excluded from school activities due to their family's economic status [1].
"Some families are struggling. They can’t afford to buy kit to take part in PE," Southgate said [1].
The former manager said financial hardship is pushing children away from healthy habits. He said that without proper equipment, students may be less likely to engage in physical activity outside of the home [2].
"There’s a risk kids end up in front of screens a lot of the time rather than being active and outside in a difficult time where economically a lot of families are struggling," Southgate said [2].
The Multibank campaign operates by collecting and distributing essential goods to bridge the gap for those unable to afford basic requirements for school and health [1, 3]. Southgate's involvement brings attention to the intersection of poverty and public health, specifically how the cost of basic athletic apparel can hinder a child's development and wellness [5].
“"Some families are struggling. They can’t afford to buy kit to take part in PE."”
The warning from a high-profile figure like Southgate underscores a growing trend where the cost of living impacts basic educational participation. When essential PE kit becomes a financial burden, it transforms a public health necessity into a luxury, potentially widening the health gap between different socioeconomic groups in the UK.
