Scotland’s relationship with sport has been changing for decades, with reduced opportunities in schools, rising costs and changing lifestyles all contributing to a decline in participation, according to former Olympian and campaigner Brian Whittle.
The issue can be traced back to the 1980s, with Whittle arguing that the problems facing sport today are the result of years of gradual change rather than a recent development.
He pointed to the impact of a teachers’ strike in the mid-1980s and what he described as the decimation of school sport as a turning point.
Traditionally, schools were one of the main ways children accessed physical education and sporting activities. However, Whittle believes those opportunities are no longer as widely available.
Community sport is also becoming increasingly difficult to access, with rising costs creating additional barriers for families.
He said: “Then you’ve got community sport which is becoming increasingly difficult to access, it’s becoming more expensive to access.
“I think sport’s becoming the bastion of the middle class and the privately educated.”
The former Olympian also highlighted how changes in family life and everyday routines have contributed to the problem.
With more households having both parents working, less time available for family activities and an increase in single-parent households, finding opportunities to take part in sport can be more challenging.
He also pointed to the rise of fast food and significant changes in lifestyles over the past four decades.
Describing the combination of factors as a “perfect storm”, Whittle said the decline in physical activity had been building for years.
His comments raise questions about how schools, communities and sporting organisations can make physical activity more affordable and accessible for the next generation.