In this blog, Playing Out co-founder, Ingrid Skeels explores the history of ‘playing out’, where children enjoy informal sport for free in the community where they live. She discusses the immense value and opportunity for safe play and how ‘play streets’ are revitalising communities across the UK and further afield.
Memories of playing out
If you grew up in the 70s and 80s or lived on a quiet street, you might recall the simple joy of playing out - gathering with friends to turn any available space into a makeshift cricket pitch or a playground.
Whether it was a chalk-drawn crease on the pavement, makeshift stumps fashioned from sticks, or an impromptu game of French cricket, these moments were about fun, freedom and finding joy through sport.
Most children could play out together like this every day, close to home and for free – regardless of income, cars or parents. This meant that they were exposed to many informal sports long before any organised games in school or clubs.
The freedom to play
In fact, back then, this freedom was really the foundation to physical activity, physical literacy and informal sport for most children. Playing out close to home was also where children from different ages, backgrounds and cultures would play together, breaking down barriers and building friendships.
Lancashire cricketer, John Abrahams recently shared with us his memories of growing up in South Africa. He recalls how ‘playing out’ was what brought children together, even during the era of Apartheid, a time of division and political unrest. When he moved to a Lancashire village aged 10, John said that the local cricket ground became a space for children across the area to play together, enjoying cricket, football and other games. He said, “It was free play in every sense – no cost, no rules other than our own, free from the views of the adults – our own time!”
Changing times
This freedom and all its benefits have largely been lost for children today, mainly because outside space has become far less safe, open and accessible. Traffic has significantly increased in volume and speed; “No Ball Games” signs are all around estates; public land has been sold or built on; and people are generally less tolerant of children playing outside.
But we need to talk about this change and question it a lot more. Because the result for children is that their lives have gradually become more indoors, inactive, isolated – and online. And this carries a huge cost to physical and mental health for many, as well as limiting exposure to informal sport, especially for those children who have the least.
It’s also a loss to sport itself. Think of the diverse talent that gets missed when access is not so democratic, and when free, creative street and park play is not part of a child’s cricket journey.
Reclaiming space and time for play
We set up Playing Out to help reclaim space and time for our children to play out, supporting their health, happiness and sense of belonging. We do this through promoting play streets - a temporary closure of a street to stop traffic for a few hours to open it up for play and the community.
This idea was pioneered 15 years ago by a group of local parents in Bristol. The result was amazing. The street was filled with children and neighbours meeting for the first time, and with every kind of play. We persuaded the council to let it happen regularly, and the idea began to catch on.
Now, play streets have spread around the UK and to many countries in the world, and are having a hugely positive impact.
Join the movement
If you’re interested in taking this action, or supporting another community, you will find everything you need – information, guidance, stories and inspiration – on the Playing Out website. As well as finding out about play streets, the website also includes information and other actions around children’s need, and right, to play. Please join our national Facebook group to ask for live advice and experience on anything related to playing out.
Looking to the bigger picture – of course it will take far more than this for children to play out again safely. That’s why Playing Out is campaigning for bigger policy changes so all children can once again play, move, socialise and enjoy informal sport for free where they live.