More than 46 percent of Wandsworth residents do not participate in any sporting activities according to research released this week.

The figure ranks the area 24th out of 33 London boroughs (46.2), with Barking and Dagenham being the ‘worst’ for sporting inactivity at 67 percent.

City of London is second at 61.9 percent, with Enfield (60), Newham (59.3) and Hillingdon (58) rounding off the top five.

At the other end of the spectrum, Camden is last at 35.7 percent, followed by Richmond (41.8), Kensington and Chelsea (42.8), and Hammersmith and Fulham (43.5).

Research by GolfSupport.com, published on October 24, analysed information to see what percentage of the capital’s population, aged 16 and above, do not play or participate in sports.

A survey by the same company also found that 32 percent of Londoners said they were too ‘preoccupied or busy with work’, from 1,426 responses.

Twenty four percent were ‘too tired’, while 18 percent ‘have non work-related commitments’.

Other reasons included thinking sports clubs, venues or equipment is too expensive (12), lacking motivation (eight) and not having a desire to play sports (six).

Gary Swift, managing director at GolfSupport.com, said: “The fast-paced nature of London unfortunately translates to its residents, who are consistently preoccupied with work matters and social engagements. As a result, they have little or no time for physical activity.

“Whilst the Olympics did initially surge sports participation numbers, it seems the nostalgia is now stagnating. To counteract this, there needs to be a new and creative approach to illustrate the long-term benefits of sport participation on physical as well as mental health.

"I am a great believer that various stakeholders have a key role to play from sport clubs or venues to employers."

For more information, visit: https://golfsupport.com