Cash is not a barrier to getting your kids sporty, a top doc insists.
One in five parents claim they can’t afford sports fees, a new report claims.
A further 31% said that they don’t have the time to take their children training.
But clinical child psychologist, Dr Malie Coyne, has called on families to look for cheap and free activities.
“I know there are parents out there who really struggle financially, there’s a lot of disadvantage.”
She was speaking at the launch in Croke Park of the Kellogg’s Gaelic and hurling summer Cul camps.
One in five Irish parents can't afford to get kids into sport, study claims
“The reason I got behind this campaign, I have two kids of my own, I would try to encourage parents to get their kids involved in any type of activity.
“Even going out on to the green and kicking a football. Sport is available to people regardless of money. It is quite a sad statistic.”
Experts say kids need one hour of “moderate to vigorous” exercise daily.
But Dr Coyne revealed that 60% of parents didn’t know this basic guideline.
She credits initiatives like the Kellogg’s Cul Camps, which were officially launched at Croke Park on Tuesday, for scoring this goal.
Christmas celebrations will be dropped under new patronage, Catholic schools warn
“How do you get so many people involved (in sport), the vehicle is the GAA?
“You can’t replicate that. I know from my kids being involved.
“My seven year old is involved in the local hurling.”
GAA bosses also claim cash is no obstacle to family fitness.
President, John Horan, speaking at Croke Park on Tuesday, urged parents to hit the pitch.
The cost-effective summer camps is great place to start, he claims.
Mr Horan said: “The growth of the Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps has been one of our great success stories with an 8 per cent increase in attendance year on year in 2018 alone.
“That boys and girls continue to flock to the camps in such number is testament to our clubs and coaches and the fun environment they help to create.”
