Helping more Australians develop their physical literacy – the movement skills, confidence and motivation required to be active for life - is at the heart of a new national action plan launched today.
Focusing on children from preschool to high school, the Physical Literacy Coalition Action Plan 2025-2027 calls for a coordinated approach to ensure physical literacy is a core component of every child’s development.
Jamie Bradnam, Chair of the Physical Literacy Coalition and Director of the ASC’s Sporting Schools program says the case for action is urgent.
"Research tells us two in three children don't meet physical activity guidelines, and that our teens are some of the least active adolescents in the world."
"This requires a united national response to reverse these trends and give our kids the skills they need for an active life," Bradnam said.
Co-designed by the Physical Literacy Coalition, which is made up of experts from the sport, education, health and government sectors as part of the Play Well Strategy, the plan will support families, school leaders, educators, sporting organisations and coaches who all play a crucial role in helping young people move well.
Rowing Australia CEO and Coalition member Sarah Cook says sport has an important role to play in addressing the future health of Australians.
“I want our children to establish great habits early in their lives, to have a real enjoyment for being physically active and to enjoy the physical, mental and social health benefits that provides,” she said.
The two-year plan includes engaging with education policy makers, supporting schools to implement the Physical Literacy Guide for Schools, developing an early primary school physical literacy program, and incorporating the Australian Physical Literacy Framework into schools, sporting organisations and communities.
Stephen Michael Foundation CEO and Coalition member Paul Mugambwa works in communities where access to sport is a challenge.
“For me, integrating physical literacy into schools is really important. To be able to combine physical movement and sport at school will benefit the students and by extension the whole community, leading towards lifelong involvement.”
The Physical Literacy Coalition is calling on educators, parents, sporting organisations, coaches and community leaders to share the Action Plan, explore the resources available on the ASC’s website and help make physical literacy a part of every child’s life.
