Have you ever looked at sports as something just for children? Do you think it will distract your children? Before you conclude, think again.
In this blog post, we have done hours of research to prove or disprove the relevance of sports in child development.
Greensprings has existed for over 33 years which means we know something about children growth and development. We have success stories that back up how sports have helped children over the years. However, it is good for us also to confirm this by research.
You will be amazed at what sports can do for your child. This post will show you seven ways sports can help your child develop.
Boarding boys playing basketball at Greengsprings School, Lekki Campus with their teacher.
When we say develop, we do not refer to only academic excellence. We refer to the total composition of the child.
Sports, whether team-based or individual is an excellent activity for child's development. It provides a variety of benefits than any other physical activity.
Academic learning and sports compliment each other but many parents and institutions in times past have ignored the importance of this in the total development of the child.
In recent years, more parents and schools are now appreciating the role of sporting activities in the process of child development.
According to the National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS), 65% of children worldwide engage in sports within and outside the school curricula.
This study shows the growing acceptance of games as a fundamental part of the learning process.
Education professionals have posited that the process of child development can be significantly aided by engaging in regular sporting activities.
Be it football, basketball, athletics or even jump rope; children who regularly engage in one sporting activity or the other have often displayed some distinct traits their counterparts do not exhibit.
Be it football, basketball, athletics or even jump rope; children who regularly engage in one sporting activity or the other have often displayed some distinct traits their counterparts do not exhibit.
What are the major benefits of sport to children?
Professionals have cited numerous reasons why active participation in sporting activities should be encouraged in schools and here are a couple of them:
1. Children who play sports are less stressed and healthier
Studies have revealed that children who play sports are less stressed out than those kids who do not take part in any physical activity.
Participation in sports has many other benefits like increased cardiovascular fitness and healthy growth in bones and muscles.
It also helps children develop great stamina and good posture. They will develop better balance and generally improved health conditions.
2. Children who play sports can interact better with other people
Engaging in regular sporting activities also helps children develop social skills necessary for interacting with others. In team sports like football, volleyball and cricket, there is the need for constant communication and cooperation among team members as they need it to defeat other rival teams.
It is also helpful to them as they get unique opportunities to make new friends.
3. Children who play build self-confidence
Sports is an excellent medium to boost up your child’s self-esteem and improve his/her confidence.
It also teaches them about goal setting and perseverance in order to attain and success in their game. These principles, when practised over time can also be applied to their everyday life.
4. Children who play sports have a higher chance to succeed academically
A recent article of the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) cited a university study carried out on about 5,000 children and adolescents, which found links between exercise and exam success in English, mathematics and science.
It was discovered that there was an increase in academic performance for every extra 17 minutes boys exercised and 12 minutes for girls.
The research which was a joint effort of the universities of Strathclyde and Dundee revealed that organized physical activity was particularly beneficial to girls’ performance in science; and generally to boys as well.
Children who carried out regular exercise, not only did better academically at 11 but also at 13 and in their exams at 16, the study suggested.
Dr Josie Booth of Dundee University in the UK, one of the leaders of the study, said: “Physical activity is more than just important for your physical health. There are other benefits, and that is something that should be especially important to parents, policy-makers and people involved in education.”
Another study carried out at the University of Kansas, also revealed that among college students that student-athletes performed better academically than non-athletes.
The student-athletes revealed that persistence which is virtue they learned from active participation in sports helped them achieve better results in their academics.
5. Your child can become a sports star
Many children have dreams of playing sports professionally; we often see our little ones dressing up with the jerseys of great sportsmen and women.
The sports sector in developed countries is highly competitive with springing up of more and more academies and training initiatives. For example, the British government rakes in as high as 1.3 billion pounds in taxes.
Clubs like Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United have in recent years spent several billions of pounds on player acquisition and other investments.
The super bowl in the United States is also one of the most successful sporting events in the world. These astonishing figures have placed sports among the most rewarding professions to pursue a career.
Competition for places on the professional sporting ladder is fierce, and it is advised for parents whose children have the desire of going pro to set them on that course as early as possible.
In the African continent, football accounts for some of the most fantastic grass to grace stories we have seen and heard.
Players like John Obi Mikel of Nigeria, Samuel Etoo Fils of Cameroon, Michael Essien of Ghana and Emmanuel Adebayor of Togo are outstanding examples of how rewarding professional football can be as a career. The same applies to other sports like basketball, formula 1, cricket, boxing and golf.
A lot of parents need to consider giving their children (especially the ones who have the natural talent and genuine interest) the opportunity to actively participate in mind and skill building sporting activities.
The importance of sports is not only limited to children as adults are also not left.
Sports give hope, entertainment and positive engagement to all parties involved be it the participants or spectators.
Do you have any ways you know sports can help children? Let us know.