Evergreen sponsors England footballer to encourage young people into the garden
With a packed summer of sport ahead, new research commissioned by Miracle-Gro reveals 68% of UK parents believe major events inspire their children to be more active outdoors. Over 70% have even set up sporting equipment in the garden to encourage kids to get moving beyond the screen.
Despite this, children today spend 30% less time playing in the garden than their parents did—just 3.5 hours per week on average. In response, Miracle-Gro has partnered with England footballer Jordan Nobbs to promote gardens as active, creative spaces. Nobbs recently led a session at her former primary school in Sunderland, showcasing how any garden can be a launchpad for sporting dreams.
The campaign highlights that sporting events like the UEFA Euro 2020, Wimbledon, and London 2012 inspired 51% of adults to try a new hobby. Among families, 85% noticed a drop in children’s screen time during such events, with benefits including improved fitness, mood, and sleep.
Children are most motivated by good weather, family participation, and seeing their sporting heroes in action. Miracle-Gro is encouraging families to transform outdoor spaces into "fan zones" this summer for activities like penalty shootouts and halftime picnics.
Garden damage caused by play is a small price to pay, say parents—60% report wear and tear, yet 58% view it with pride or nostalgia. Common issues include trampled plants, worn lawns, and broken fences, but few see it as a deterrent to active play.
To support families, Miracle-Gro recommends products like Healthy Lawn and Multi-Purpose Lawn Seed to keep gardens green, strong, and ready for play. As the Lionesses take to the pitch, Miracle-Gro is helping families grow both their gardens and their love for the outdoors.
To help parents keep their garden in top condition over the summer, even against outdoor activities, Miracle-Gro's Healthy Lawn is suitable for kids to play on after use and will make sure the lawn is nice and green, and strong enough to withstand play. Regular reseeding using Miracle-Gro's Multi-Purpose Lawn Seed and feeding in the garden will keep the lawn looking good all year long, season to season.