Background Adolescents and those on the cusp of adulthood present a critical group among whom we must better understand physical activity (PA) inequalities, particularly in the context of widening place-based inequality and the syndemic ‘shock’ of the COVID-19 pandemic. A wealth of quantitative evidence fails to capture the complexity of children and young people’s PA access and engagement in different spaces, particularly in terms of intersectionality. Engaging in dialogue with young people at the heart of local communities, can offer a deeper and more nuanced understanding of PA challenges and opportunities.

This study explored young people’s experiences of PA in their local area, and the associated impacts on opportunities for good health and wellbeing. We worked with young people already experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage across three regions of England, UK.

Methods 55 participants (12–21 years) from seven youth groups took part (South Yorkshire (SY) n=2; North East (NE) n=3; and London (L) n=2). All were based in areas of deprivation and sampling was purposeful to include young people of different sexualities and gender across urban, rural and coastal areas. Three interlinked focus groups explored: (1) children and young people’s understandings of health and wellbeing as a human right; (2) children and young people’s perceptions of the social determinants of health; (3) children and young people’s understandings of the ways in which young people can take action in their local area. An inductive, reflexive thematic analysis approach allowed for flexibility in coding.

Results Our analysis yielded four intersecting themes: (1) PA experiences across spaces; (2) Resigned to feeling a lack of inclusivity and ‘belonging’; (3) Safety first; (4) Intersecting issues linked to access and accessibility. The types of spaces (e.g. open, indoor leisure, institutional) in which young people felt (un)able to be active, formed the backdrop to PA-related experiences and interactions. Young people articulated an in-depth understanding of the spaces in which they might experience PA, however provided a powerful narrative which suggests ‘PA insecurity’ as central to their lived experiences of PA; this was particularly nuanced for LGBTQ+ young people.

Conclusion PA insecurity often reflected oppression and undermined psycho-emotional wellbeing and we note parallels with ‘psycho-emotional disablism and internalised oppression’ in the disability literature. We highlight a need for further research and policy to consider safe spaces within the local community, where marginalized young people can come together and have the opportunity to be active.