Following recognition, Parkour/Freerunning features in the participation figures in the new Sport England Active Lives Survey. With the first set of participation figures for Parkour/Freerunning featured in the Active Lives November 15/16 Report, showing participation figures of 96,700, the May 16/17 Report, showing participation figures of 101,800 and then May 17/18 Report, showing participation figures of 93,600.
On the 11th April 2019, Sport England have published the Active Lives Adult Survey – Nov 17/18 Report.
The data on those (16+) in England only that have participated in Parkour/Freerunning showed over 96,900* (with approx 52,000 being male and 44,900 being female) had taken part at least twice in the last 28 days! Which is over one-and-half-times the size of Rugby League, over twice the size of Orienteering and almost four times the size of Triathlon!
Broadly our participation rates remains very stable and consistent, with the May 2016/17 results showing a ‘bounce’ – which we suspect is due to the recognition of Parkour/Freerunning as a sport in Jan 2017.
Find our more about the Active Lives Survey on Sport England’s website.
The data certainly demonstrates the reach, breadth and depth of Parkour/Freerunning, not just in England, but across the UK and our community.
We certainly feel that Parkour UK and our community have plenty to contribute to the Sport England strategy. In addition to the Government strategy #SportingFuture, coordinated by Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the strategic plans of Sport Wales, Sportscotland & Sport Northern Ireland
*(table 5 row 65)
