How schools can audit physical activity throughout the school day
A whole-school physical activity audit helps leaders understand how and when pupils have opportunities to move.
Imogen Buxton-Pickles
How can schools encourage physical activity beyond the timetable
Before and after-school activities can help more pupils become active when provision extends beyond traditional team sports.
Imogen Buxton-Pickles
What Size Football Goals Does a Grassroots Junior Football Club Need?
Junior football clubs should match goal size to the age group and playing format. The FA recommends 12 ft by 6 ft goals for U7–U10 mini-soccer and 16 ft by 7 ft goals for U11–U12 9v9 football. Older youth teams normally move towards 21 ft by 7 ft or full-size goals, subject to competition rules.
Gareth Pashley
How Do You Anchor Football Goals Safely in a School or Club Setting?
Every football goal must be secured before use. The FA says permanent and portable goals of any size must be anchored securely to the ground or fitted with a weighted back bar, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Select anchors for the surface and goal design, inspect them before play and prevent anyone from climbing or swinging on the frame.
Gareth Pashley
How Do You Replace a Football Net and What Size Do You Need?
To replace a football net, confirm the goal’s internal width and height, depth at the top and base, frame profile and fixing method before ordering. Choose a net sold for that goal size, remove damaged fixings and attach the replacement evenly without sharp hooks. Inspect the completed goal, re-anchor it and check that loose netting cannot create a trip hazard.
Gareth Pashley
How Do You Set Up a Junior Sports Club from Scratch?
To set up a junior sports club, define the local need and sport, form a responsible committee, choose the correct legal structure, affiliate with the governing body where appropriate, put safeguarding and insurance in place, secure a suitable venue and recruit qualified leaders. Build a realistic budget, equipment list and launch plan before accepting members or collecting personal information.
Gareth Pashley
What netball equipment does a secondary school need for curriculum PE?
A secondary netball lesson needs suitable balls, a marked playing area, identifiable teams and a way to practise shooting if that is the objective. Start with activities and the number of simultaneous groups, then check posts, bibs and ball condition. A competition setup is useful for formal games but is not the only way to teach movement, passing and decision-making.
Gareth Pashley
What Size Football Goals Does a Primary School Need for Curriculum PE?
Primary schools usually need more than one football goal size because curriculum lessons involve different ages, spaces and activities. Portable 12 ft by 6 ft goals suit many small-sided KS1 and lower-KS2 practices, while 16 ft by 7 ft goals support 9v9-style activities. Schools must prioritise secure anchoring, suitable run-off space and supervised use.
Christine Wheatcroft
Table Tennis Rules Explained
Table tennis is one of the most inclusive and accessible sports that can be taught in schools. It requires minimal space, promotes physical activity, develops hand-eye coordination, and can be enjoyed by pupils of all abilities. The good news for PE teachers is that the basic rules are straightforward and can be taught within a single lesson.
Gareth Pashley
Basketball Rules Explained
Basketball is one of the most popular team sports taught in schools, combining physical activity, teamwork, communication and skill development. Whether you're introducing the game to younger pupils in Key Stage 2 or delivering more structured lessons in Secondary PE, understanding the basic rules helps create engaging, safe and enjoyable sessions.
Gareth Pashley
What does high quality PE look like in an active school?
High-quality PE gives pupils regular opportunities to move, practice skills and make decisions.
Imogen Buxton-Pickles
Davies Sports partners with afPE on new tutor initiative to strengthen primary PE teaching
Davies Sports has announced a new partnership with the Association for Physical Education (afPE) to support the development of primary PE teachers and help raise standards in physical education across England.
Christine Wheatcroft