Millions of pupils will have the chance to take part in sports day this year despite schools being closed.

The Youth Sport Trust says it has “reinvented” its annual National School Sport Week so that, despite school closures during the coronavirus pandemic, pupils can “keep moving for their mental and physical health”.

From today, schools and parents will be able to register to receive videos and activity cards to help them plan a series of challenges for pupils across the week beginning June 20.

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The activities, which can involve families, neighbours and friends in “virtual competition”, will allow pupils to “capture the enjoyment, competition and camaraderie” which they have been missing out on during weeks of school closures, says the Youth Sport Trust.

Trust chief executive Ali Oliver said the scheme would support “the millions of young people missing out on a school sports day this year”.

He said: “Right now, young people are missing their friends and missing the sense of connection they get through sport. 

“Sport has such a crucial role to play in promoting young people’s wellbeing and this has never been more apparent than it is now.

“After weeks of isolation, we hope that YST National School Sport Week at Home 2020 can help bring families, communities, schools and sports clubs back together.”

In previous years, National School Sport Week has seen thousands of schools join in a week-long celebration of school sport and Physical Education, and their important role enhancing young people’s wellbeing.

National School Sport Week At Home is supported by Sky Sports and national governing bodies of sport. To register for a pack, visit the Youth Sport Trust website.