Hide and seek: the hidden cost of play for children living in poverty
When a child grows up in poverty, they often miss out on the basics – like nutritious food or a safe home with room to play. This isn’t okay, and it can have long-term effects on a child’s life.
But by focusing on these basics alone, we can miss the bigger picture. Children deserve to thrive, not just survive. Every child should have the chance to have fun and do things they love – not just children from wealthy homes.
Nearly 3 times as many children from the highest income households take part in music activities (32%) compared to the lowest income households (11%).
Figures from our Family Fund
What is the extent of the issue
- 64% of young people from the highest income households take part in sport compared to 46% of young people from the lowest incomes.
- Children from the poorest backgrounds are 3 times more likely to not take part in any extra-curricular activities compared to those from the wealthiest backgrounds.
- Girls can find it particularly hard to afford taking part in sports like football as there’s been far less investment in grassroots women’s football over the years.
Through our Family Fund, made possible by Nationwide Building Society, our services provide essential items to families in financial hardship – from an emergency food parcel to a washing machine.
The Fund also provides families with opportunities for children who otherwise couldn’t have afforded them. That might be sports kit, swimming lessons, or a ticket to the theatre.
We asked 1,013 children who have received enrichment support from our fund about the impact it had on them:
More than 9 in 10 (93%) said that it gave them the opportunity to do something new, with half strongly agreeing with this.
Agree? Sign our Young Campaigners' open letter
When children miss out on these opportunities, the impact goes far beyond childhood. The absence of play not only steals moments of joy, but can leave lasting scars right into adulthood. These could manifest as low self-esteem, fewer social connections, or a lack of life skills.
To shed light on this, our young campaigners, Georgia and Chan, share their stories:
“One thing I spend too much time doing is wondering what my life would be like now if I hadn’t been in poverty growing up; imagining all these different scenarios.
“My grandparents paid for me to play football as a child because they saw I'd shown an interest in it. But I reached an age where they just couldn't afford it anymore. And I understand why, because investing in an extracurricular for a kid is expensive.
“But one of my friends who I played alongside is basically pro now. She plays for a big team and goes to matches all the time, she’s been in newspapers, and her life revolves around her love of football.
We were just as good as each other, I was in the same position, but what stopped me was that I didn't have the money as a child.
No child should have to pay the price of poverty
For Chan, activities like football, rugby, and drama have been lifechanging: “When I play sports or attend acting classes, it’s more than a hobby – it’s a chance to grow in confidence, meet new people, and stay physically and mentally active. Being part of a club feels like being part of a family.”
But the journey hasn’t been without challenges. The growing costs of taking part has meant Chan has had to drop playing football, which she'd been playing since the age of five.
Chan has also worked during school holidays, and when she is paid for her acting, she uses some of the money to help pay the cost of taking part in sport and also acting classes.
“Sports and drama have always been a big part of my life. I started playing football when I was five, and after lockdown, I discovered rugby. Playing rugby and football has been incredible – I’ve been able to meet other young people who share my passion for sport. It’s helped me build the confidence to express myself and stay active and fit.
“Acting has also been a passion – I began auditioning with the support of my mum when I was just five years old.
“However, I’ve faced difficult choices. I had to pick between rugby or football, as I couldn't afford both – and only one offered financial support. My acting roles help fund my extracurricular activities, but the cost remains a challenge.
“The biggest challenge is missing out on experiences and opportunities that others might take for granted.
They miss out on having fun, but they also miss out on that sense of community and the friendships that come with it.
“For me, playing sport gives me something to look forward to on the weekend – the winning and the losing, and creating memories with friends. Some of these friendships are so different to the friends you make at school.
"Without these opportunities, young people also miss out on the chance to dream or even see their potential.
Our young campaigners are calling on the government to act
“Playing for a club can be expensive. There are sign-up costs and monthly fees to pay, and that's before extras like football kits, sports bras, and mouth guards, which add up quickly. It can be hundreds of pounds a season.
“It’s good to play by whatever means possible. Free coaching from certain organisations can help. But it’s special when you play for a club – you get the club kit and become part of a new sports family.
“Some rugby clubs use the rugby support fund to help the players pay fees, and football clubs may offer payment plans. But if you don't have the money then you can't really afford to pay monthly.
“As I’ve gotten older, I’ve had to balance working to afford my hobbies. But working at the weekend means you can’t really play for a team.
Chan acting in our new brand film, Driven by Love
“For me, taking part in these activities means I have hobbies and interests that will last me a lifetime. I’ve grown in confidence. I’ve met young people with the same interests as me. And I’ve gotten to travel to places I would never have gone to.
“Taking part in activities also helps you form healthy habits and spend less time online or in trouble. It allows you to see yourself in places you might not imagine – on TV, the West End stage, or even representing your country on a national team.
I’ve learnt skills that I use in everyday life. And every child deserves that.
“My message to the government is to please keep to their election pledge, which was to make a change. Children have had more than a decade of cuts and less opportunities as a result. We are still waiting for a change.
We need youth clubs to reopen. We need all schools to have a curriculum that sees PE, Music, and Drama to be just as important as English and Maths.
“My message would be to keep believing in yourself. Keep following your favourite athletes, actors, and musicians. Enjoy watching them and never give up on your dream – it could become a reality.
“Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling both grew up facing poverty, but sport helped them turn their lives around - and they've gone on to help other young people.
“Taking part in activities means you get to do fun things and improve your quality of life. It brings fun, growth, and connection, and every young person deserves that chance.
Every child deserves the chance to thrive, explore their passions, and experience the joy of childhood. But for too many children, the hidden costs of play create a barrier that limits their opportunities and dreams.
We want to break down these barriers and ensure no child is left behind on the sidelines.
Sign our young campaigners’ open letter. It takes less than two minutes
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