This presentation provides a broad overview of the Right to Be Active (R2BA) project and briefly outlines the research structure before discussing key empirical findings. It focuses primarily on data generated with/by CEYP, which indicate that the complex landscapes they navigate can be influential in shaping access to and experiences of sport/PA. The CEYP survey identified that while 83% of respondents considered sport/PA to be important, only 40% felt they had the same chances to participate as their non-CEYP peers. Moreover, whilst CEYP could recognise clear benefits from participating in sport/PA (e.g. positive health outcomes, skill development and fun/enjoyment) they also identified notable challenges (e.g. logistics, cost and low self-confidence). The data generated through the focus groups enabled further elaboration on these findings and highlighted three key factors that shape CEYP’s participation in sport/PA: people (e.g. carers, social workers and teachers), places (e.g. homes, schools and leisure centres) and activities (structured/unstructured, recreational/competitive and traditional/alternative). These factors influence both the perceived benefits and challenges of CEYP’s sport/PA experiences, all being mediated by the care contexts within which they reside. In concluding, we emphasise the value of focusing on CEYP’s voices in order to better understand the complex and highly individualised nature of their sport/PA experiences.

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