In the lead up to World Asthma Day on May 1, the Asthma Foundation ACT has stressed the importance of being active.

The foundation's chief executive officer, Nathalie Maconachie, said exercise was a ''major trigger'' for at least 50 per cent of asthma suffers.

''We are encouraging sport and recreation clubs to become recognised as asthma friendly so that people with asthma and their carers can feel confident about participating in sport,'' she said.

''Asthma is recognised as a major deterrent to the participation of children in sports and recreation.

''In a junior rugby team, it is likely that one or two children will have asthma.''

Fullback for the under-18s Vikings Eddie Jones said his asthma became ''pretty severe'' if he didn't keep it tightly under control, but he never let it stand in his way.

''Playing sport has helped me build my lung capacity and control my breathing so I don't struggle with the everyday stuff,'' he said.

''It's actually made the day-to-day stuff easier.''

Eddie's dad, Andrew, and his mum, Irene, are also part of the Vikings team, acting as coach and team manager and both support his decision to play.

''The thing about his asthma is that it can catch you by surprise,'' Mr Jones said. ''We always encourage him to take his Ventolin with him before he exercises and we tell him not to become complacent about using his asthma prevention medication because it catches up with him. Being involved in sport has been good for him.''