She underlined the government's commitment to improving opportunities for pupils to play sport in schools at a Sport England conference on education and sport on Tuesday.

"Sports bodies, schools and local authorities must do more to encourage children to get into sport. Schools have a key role," she said.

"We should be aiming to provide youngsters with at least two hours or more of sport a week."

Kate Hoey: "Huge job to be done"

Ms Hoey said many schools were working hard and providing excellent sports and recreational opportunities for pupils, but there was still a "huge job" to be done.

"The expansion of sports colleges and the development of more after-school opportunities will make a big difference," she said.

"I would like to see PE teachers offered a flexible working day to respond to these new challenges.