Regular physical activity is engaged in by over 40 per cent of the adult population. Fifteen per cent take part in competitions, and three per cent are top-flight competitors. The sports movements is the country's predominant popular movement. Child and youth sports Over 530,000 children and young people under the age of 17 participate in organized sport, which is thus an important part of the environment in which Norwegian children grow up. Among the most popular activities are football, handball, aerobics, jazz ballet, swimming and skiing.
Football is the most popular sport among both boys and girls.
At age 16, however, interest begins to wane, and by the age of 19 only 30 per cent of young people are active in sports clubs. It is not known whether the dropout rate leads to reduced physical activity, or if many young people simply switch to working out on their own. NIF has issued guidelines for sports for children, urging versatility and variation rather than specialization. Competitions for children under 10 should be limited to their own club. The main obstacle to improving sport for children is the shortage of qualified coaches and managers.