Access to movement experiences

Access to varied movement experiences and programs is important to the development of physical literacy. Opportunities to participate in active play, physical activity, and sport can be influenced by social, economic, and geographic factors.

People from less affluent families are less likely to be physically active. ^{42, 43, 63} Children from low-income families may experience delays in the development of fundamental movement skills compared with children of the same age. ⁶⁴

Time, cost, and location are common practical barriers to children’s participation in sport. ³³ Children often rely on parents or caregivers to facilitate access to movement programs and experiences, as they are often responsible for identifying opportunities, making decisions on behalf of their children, and managing the associated financial and time commitments. ^{26, 33, 45}

Parents' perceptions of safety can influence children's opportunities for outdoor play and physical activity. ^{65, 66} Safe, accessible environments that encourage movement and exploration are important for fostering active play and developing physical literacy in children. ⁶⁷

Research in Victoria and Queensland has shown that non-metropolitan regions often have good if not better access to sport facilities, especially for ‘traditional sports’ (such as swimming, field sports, lawn bowls, tennis). ^{71, 72} However, some people living in regional and rural settings may have difficulty accessing sport and physical activity opportunities due to transport costs and logistics, ^{68, 69} or if the demand for facilities does not match the growing needs of the community. ^{73, 74}

In rural communities, access to movement experiences may also rely heavily on family and community networks to facilitate opportunities for children to participate in sport and physical activity, and develop physical literacy. ⁷⁰