Importance of Sports in Children and Youth

The importance of sport lies not only in the fact that it is good for physical health but especially for mental health. During the two years, I have served in this organization I have seen developments for the better in the behavior, thoughts, and physical health of children and young people. This includes encouraging better academic performance, ensuring greater inclusivity and participation in the classroom, as well as improvements to their health and preparedness for the future. It is important to recognize, however, that not all sports automatically deliver wider gains. In order to deliver on educational outcomes, sport and physical activities need to be intentionally designed and effectively implemented.

There is a common perception that physical education classes impact negatively students and that it takes away their time from “important” subjects. During my school years, I always heard and saw how teachers that gave PE were considered as a form of a low level, without much importance. However, research demonstrates that participation in sport and physical activity, both inside and outside the classroom, positively impacts students’ academic performance, and Integrating sport and physical activity into the routines of young people has demonstrated effectiveness in increasing students’ ability to learn and apply new skills and knowledge. Research shows that participation in light to moderate physical activity – especially in the morning – can significantly and positively impact a student’s ability to access knowledge and experience, and apply organizational, inhibitory, and memory skills.

As a Rugby player and from time to time a coach, I have witnessed that participating in sport and physical activity provides students with new opportunities to interact and engage with one another – promoting strong friendships and teambuilding. Sport teaches you more than just physical activity. It teaches you self-acceptance and self-trust. Most of the sports teach you team spirit and make you more inclusive and accepting.

Students who participate in curricular and extra-curricular physical activities have also shown a higher commitment to school and an increased desire and ability to participate in school life; Team-based sports can be particularly beneficial in overcoming divides as they instill a shared sense of identity, fellowship, and purpose between participants. In addition, the appeal of the sport and its inclusive and participatory nature can be leveraged as a strong access point to encourage the participation of marginalized students and foster inclusive practices. Intentionally designed sports programs in schools with clear development outcomes can also be used to promote learning in a range of areas, including gender. Sport and physical activity in schools can produce gender-diverse role models that empower young women and girls who continue to be under-represented in school sports and physical education.

Such sports programs help especially societies that deal with gender-diverse issues, inclusion, diversity, acceptance. It is very important that through sport to educate children and youth in such topics.

Research shows that students who participate in sport and physical activity have favorable mental health compared to inactive students. Sport and physical activity can impact mental health by fostering feelings of safety, connection, and purpose – ultimately leading to better mood states.

Integrating sport in education can also help to reduce levels of anxiety, stress, and depression. Physically active students commonly have higher levels of confidence, self-esteem, and self-worth. Sport and physical activity in schools can enable students to develop the skills, knowledge, and networks not only to succeed in the classroom but at home, in the community, and in their careers.

Through skills development and increased confidence, active students are more likely to have the desire and capabilities to pursue higher education.  Sport and physical activities allow students to learn skills and internalize values that are attractive to employers, with studies showing that they are also more likely to secure high-quality employment as a result. Studies also show that students who participate in extra-curricular sports are more likely to be active participants in their communities and engage with social and charitable issues.

In conclusion, what is important to emphasize is that sport is not just a tool to keep your physical health in check but also your mental health. The body and the mind are connected and one cannot function without the other. The benefits of sports are many and they have an impact on our daily lives and the way our body and mind function, so we must pay attention to it every time.

Sources used:

https://www.childfundrugby.org/2019/10/14/the-positive-impact-of-sport-on-education/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16802902/

https://www.files.ethz.ch/isn/125443/5092_Final%20SDP%20IWG%20Report.pdf

https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000215707

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16802902/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16802902/