Ashling Thompson believes schools should do their utmost to provide PE classes for pupils.
The Cork camogie star was speaking to Off The Ball and spoke about the benefits physical education can have both for physical and mental wellbeing.
"Going back to the point of young girls and why they're dropping out, I think it's a lot to do with parents, a lot to do with schools. A lot of schools aren't implementing physical education enough," she said.
"I think even there were a few cutbacks recently where maybe PE was 30 minutes once a week. That to me is crazy. I think PE should be mandatory at least three to four times a week, if it's 30 minutes.
"You need to be exercising every day, never mind three to four times a week."
Thompson outlined some of the benefits she feels an increased emphasis on PE and exercise can have on an individual.
"Everyone experiences some sort of struggle in life and I think exercise is massive. For me, that's where it came from. I had a few struggles and it was my sport that pulled me out of that and kept me going and I think parents need to make sure their kids are involved in some sort of exercise. It doesn't necessarily have to be GAA but I think it's coming into the fore more how exercise has such an effect on mental fitness as well as physical fitness," she said.
On 7th May 2017, Ashling Thompson, Thomas Barr and Con Doherty will hit the road simultaneously with tens of thousands of runners worldwide to help find a cure for spinal cord injury, thanks to the Wings for Life World Run App. The app allows anyone, anywhere in the world, to join the global movement, sharing the experience right down to a Virtual Catcher Car and your name on the Global Result List. Registration is now open for everyone at wingsforlifeworldrun.com.
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