Active Children Coalition launches to tackle youth inactivity

Six organisations from the sports and physical activity sectors have joined forces to launch the Active Children Coalition (ACC), a global initiative aimed at tackling the growing problem of physical inactivity among children and adolescents.

The coalition brings together the International Sport and Culture Association (ISCA), International Society for Physical Activity and Health (ISPAH), the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI), Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance (AHKGA), Cities for Better Health (Novo Nordisk) and the University of Southern Denmark.

The coalition shares knowledge and raises awareness through digital channels, reports and social media, while also showcasing real-world case studies and innovative resources to motivate action.

ACC members drive change by implementing collaborative projects and providing opportunities for engagement through online meetings, working groups and major events such as the MOVE Congress 2025 and ISPAH Congress 2026. The coalition also advocates for aligned messaging across sectors and disciplines and pushes for policy changes that support physical activity.

According to the ACC, 81% of adolescents fail to meet the WHO’s recommended levels of physical activity globally, and the financial burden of inactivity on public health systems is projected to reach around US$300 billion between 2020 and 2030 if the trend continues.

While more than half of countries have national physical activity policies, fewer than 40% of these are actively implemented.

Active Children Coalition Launches to Tackle Youth Inactivity“We know what works. Now it’s time to act,” said Caroline Brooks, WFSGI Head of Physical Activity and ACC founding member. “No single sector can solve this alone. Schools, sports clubs, urban planners, civil society, and commercial partners all need to work together to help children move more.”