New research by UWTSD lecturer highlighting how parents can actively help develop their children’s physical literacy to be presented at a conference in New York

University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) lecturer Anna Stevenson will join health, education, recreation and sport experts to advance the knowledge, application and implementation of physical literacy programming across the globe, at the International Physical Literacy Conference (IPLC) in New York on May 2 to 5.

The conference engages leaders, practitioners, and stakeholders of physical literacy from around the world in a truly collaborative environment. Physical literacy is the motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge, and understanding to value and take responsibility for engagement in physical activities for life.

Anna will present her PhD research into the development and evaluation of the family engagement motor skill programme Footie Families, which is being delivered by coaches in communities in Wales, using football as a vehicle to engage families and support motor competence for 2 to 5-year-olds.​

The research was part of Anna’s MA Physical Education, Sport, and Physical Literacy degree, that she undertook at the University.

In Wales, levels of sedentary behaviour among young people are some of the poorest globally​ (Active Healthy Kids Wales Report, 2018)​. Only 9 per cent of boys and 10 per cent of girls aged 2 to 4 are meeting the recommended levels of daily physical activity. Failure to meet physical activity guidelines is linked to the concerning declines in children’s gross motor skills which are considered the building blocks for more advanced movements needed for participation in physical activity throughout life.

The Football Association in Wales (FAW) has partnered with the University’s Wales Academy for Health & Physical Literacy, directed by Dr Nalda Wainwright, to develop Footie Families – a KESS European funded research project.

Footie Families is a family engagement motor skill programme in community settings in Wales and aims to improve preschool children’s motor competence and influence family physical activity habits.

​Anna’s research into the programme revealed:

• Footie Families influenced improvements in children’s motor competence.
• Parents and children were motivated to be active when engaging together.
• The programme helped strengthen family relationships.
• Parents gained knowledge and ideas to challenge children appropriately. 
• Equipment bags encouraged families to play together and repeat activities from sessions​ at home.
• Parents reported that Footie Families supported other areas of children’s development (engagement and confidence)​.

Anna said, “quality movement in early childhood lays the foundations for all later development. Early Childhood is a magic window of opportunity for developing physical competence which supports confidence and motivation. I am so pleased to have this opportunity to share how the Footie Families programme has really engaged families and supported their children’s development.”

UWTSD’s Dr Nalda Wainwright, Associate Professor and Director of the University’s Wales Academy for Health and Physical Literacy said: “We are really pleased that Anna’s doctoral research is being recognised at the IPLC in New York. Anna’s work is part of a whole series of programmes that we have put in place at UWTSD to address the issue of poor physical skills in young children. If we do not act to put these programmes in place to support coaches, parents, and early years professionals’ children will not be able to choose healthy active lives.”

Further Information

Rebecca Davies

Executive Press and Media Relations Officer    
Corporate Communications and PR    
Email: rebecca.davies@uwtsd.ac.uk    
Phone: 07384 467071