Most children wouldn't miss competitive aspect of school sport

The majority of UK children would not miss the competitive element of school sport if it was removed, according to a survey by Marylebone Cricket Club and cricket charity Chance to Shine.

The study - involving 1,000 children aged between eight and 16 - showed that 64 per cent of children would be relieved, happier or "not bothered" if all school sport was made non-competitive.

The study also surveyed the children's parents to seek their views on competitive sport.

A majority of parents (78 per cent) said they would still watch their children play school sport even if the competitive aspect was removed – despite 84 per cent saying they would not want to see the winning and losing elements of competition removed entirely.

Wasim Khan CEO of Chance to Shine, said: "It is worrying to see that so many children would be relieved to see competition removed from sport. We want to teach children the importance of playing sport competitively and fairly and for them to see the benefits that it can bring to their lives."

To download the Chance to Shine/MCC report, click here.

• Last year (July 2013) a cross-party committee of MPs concluded that the coalition government was putting too much emphasis on competitive sport in schools (to read the committee's full report, click here).