Perceptions of lifelong physical activity and the physical literacy journey: The voices of children and young people across the island of Ireland

O’Brien, W; Belton, S; Farmer, O; Murphy, O; Murtagh, E; Connolly, S; Murphy, MH; Ferguson, K; Foweather, L; Goss, H

Perceptions of lifelong physical activity and the physical literacy journey: The voices of children and young people across the island of Ireland

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O’Brien, W ORCID: 0000-0001-6801-7341, Belton, S ORCID: 0000-0001-9672-6276, Farmer, O, Murphy, O, Murtagh, E ORCID: 0000-0003-4232-1403, Connolly, S, Murphy, MH ORCID: 0000-0003-3482-3323, Ferguson, K, Foweather, L ORCID: 0000-0001-9851-5421 and Goss, H ORCID: 0000-0002-4264-6673 (2026) Perceptions of lifelong physical activity and the physical literacy journey: The voices of children and young people across the island of Ireland. European Physical Education Review. ISSN 1356-336X

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Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1177/1356336x261427414

Abstract

In recent years, the physical literacy (PL) journeys of children and young people (CYP) have become increasingly relevant to physical activity (PA), physical education (PE) and sport settings. While research has documented understanding of PL among specific stakeholders, such as physical educators and sports coaches, no such research exists regarding the voices of CYP across the island of Ireland (Northern Ireland and Ireland). As such, expanding beyond PL specifically and explicitly, this scoping review explored CYP's perceptions of lifelong PA, including factors they believed influenced their involvement in, or avoidance of, PA, PE, and sport (domains which all contribute to PL). The review examined 29 qualitative research studies conducted across the island of Ireland. Thematic analysis of the data led to the construction of the following five key themes in relation to lifelong PA as part of one's PL journey: (i) providing choice, (ii) fun, (iii) social influences, (iv) competition, and (v) barriers to positive PL experiences. Drawing on the insights generated by this study, we propose targeted PL promotion strategies that resonate with CYP in Ireland and Northern Ireland, with the goal of fostering their holistic PL development, and supporting sustained lifelong engagement in PA.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Qualitative; adolescent; school; club; community; 3901 Curriculum and Pedagogy; 39 Education; 4206 Public Health; 42 Health Sciences; Prevention; Physical Activity; Behavioral and Social Science; 7.1 Individual care needs; Stroke; Cardiovascular; 4 Quality Education; 1106 Human Movement and Sports Sciences; 1302 Curriculum and Pedagogy; 1303 Specialist Studies in Education; Sport Sciences; 3901 Curriculum and pedagogy; 3903 Education systems; 4207 Sports science and exercise
Subjects:	L Education > LB Theory and practice of education G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation Leisure > GV561 Sports > GV711 Coaching G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation Leisure > GV561 Sports
Divisions:	Sport and Exercise Sciences
Publisher:	SAGE
Date of acceptance:	10 February 2026
Date of first compliant Open Access:	1 May 2026
Date Deposited:	01 May 2026 13:22
Last Modified:	01 May 2026 14:30
DOI or ID number:	10.1177/1356336X261427414
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/28511

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