Sports Participation

The data summarised here are based on Scottish Household Survey results from 2016 and illustrate participation in sport by gender, age, deprivation (Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation[SIMD]), highest academic qualification and illness/disability.

These figures highlight that for most activities and most age groupings Glaswegians more or less match the Scottish average for participation levels in sport.

There are gender differences in sports activities undertaken:

• Men in Glasgow are most likely to walk, play football, swim, run/jog, do multi-gym/weight training or cycle
• Women in Glasgow are most likely to walk, take part in aerobics, cycle or swim.

In Glasgow, 32% of adults with a long-term major illness or disability and 58% of adults with a long-term minor illness or disability took part in any sport (over a 4 week period) compared to 83% of adults without a long-term illness or disability.

Younger adults tend to be involved in the greatest range of different activities whilst middle aged and older adults are far more likely to walk for recreational purposes rather than take part in other activities.

Across Glasgow and Scotland higher deprivation has a direct association with decreased levels of physical activity.

27% of Glaswegians have not participated in any sport over a 4 week period, which is above the national average.

The Scottish Government have published a new report which looks at the impact of cultural engagement and sports participation on health and satisfaction with life in Scotland. Click here to access the Healthy Attendance? report.

Notes on data

It should be noted that many of the apparent differences in the figures between Glasgow and Scotland may not be significant due to the relatively small sample sizes.