THE country's national play charity, Play England, hope that this summer's World Cup fever will mean more 'jumpers for goal posts' and less 'no ball games' for children in the UK.
The charity has found that informal football games are among children's favourite play activities and is calling for government and local areas to capitalise on the huge interest in this year's World Cup by giving as many children as possible the chance to put down their jumpers for goalposts and to kick balls around with their friends.
Results from over 1200 entries to this year's Playday drawing competition found that being outside is children's preferred way to play, with kickabout games a big favourite with both boys and girls.
For Playday, the annual celebration of children's right to play, Play England asked children to draw a picture of how they like to spend time playing.
An overwhelming 87% responded by drawing scenes of outdoor activity with 1 in 5 showing a scene of sporty play, and 1 in 4 boys telling us playing football was their favourite.
Significantly children tended not to depict playing on computer games as how they like to spend their time, with only 3% of drawings illustrating playing on game consoles.
This year, Playday takes place on Wednesday 4 August 2010, and Play England, part of the national children's charity NCB, is delighted to announce that the theme for the 2010 campaign is Our place!
The campaign aims to tackle restrictions faced by children wanting to play where they live, and asks everyone - young and old - to help create better places for all of us to live and play.
Adrian Voce, director of Play England said: "With participation levels in sport continuing to disappoint, we're hoping that all the excitement around the World Cup will encourage communities to be more tolerant about kids having a kick around with their mates.
"The love of all sports begins with children being given the freedom and space to play. We want to see more jumpers for goal posts and less 'no ball games' signs to encourage the next generation of players like Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard, and so that kids can get out and have fun."
For more information about Playday and the Our Place! campaign, visit www.playday.org.uk.
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