Importance of sport for children | Maragon Private School
Robyn Labram - Maragon Avianto teacher • July 29, 2019
I am a firm believer that participation in sports
and activities develops important character traits and lifelong values in children which can create a positive impact in their lives. Sports programs seek to make the sports experience for all children safe, fun and healthy. Programs promote the value and importance of sports and physical activities in the emotional, physical, social, and mental development of children. Here are some reasons why you should sign your child up for sports today.
- Sports boost self-esteem - Children learn to be confident on the field. Seeing their hard work pay off has a positive impact on their self-esteem. When kids achieve their goals on the field it teaches them that they can achieve any goal that they set later in life.
- Playing sports helps develop teamwork and leadership skills - Working as a team to reach a common goal helps children develop communication and problem solving skills that will benefit them on the field and off.
- It’s a natural stress reliever - Exercise is a great way for kids to loosen up and let go. Sports also helps kids develop tight bonds with their teammates which will provide them with a support system.
- Kids develop lifelong healthy lifestyle habits - Regular physical activity improves a child’s fitness and helps them to stay in shape.
- It’s fun! - The memories made playing youth sports will last a lifetime. You may forget the name of your 6th grade Science teacher, but the memory of scoring the winning goal in the Soccer Championship will always stay with you.
Academic benefits of sports
- Children that get more physical activity have higher academic achievement by increasing the effectiveness of their working memory.
- Federal statistics show athletes are more likely to graduate on time compared to other students.Researchers at Michigan State University determined that students who participated in vigorous sports did 10 percent better in Science, English, Math and Social Studies compared to other students. Different studies show various results regarding athlete vs. non-athlete GPAs, with some showing athletes having a full point higher GPA than non-athletes. Why? Involvement in sports is an important part of a child’s development and teaches children to lead active, healthy lives while developing many of the fundamental skills necessary for a child to succeed.
Many studies show that participating in structured recreation positively influenced young people’s physical and social development. Numerous studies have found that sport and community recreation play a key role in life in a city, and that recreation and sports facilities contribute to a child’s belonging into his or her community surroundings. Sport provides pleasure for children and gives them the opportunity to meet new people and make new friendships. Participation in sport
improves the development of peer relationships, establishes trust and builds teamwork skills. Sports challenge children to excel physically and mentally, and teach valuable skills such as leadership, hard work and perseverance which help beyond the playing field to all aspects of life, whether it be in the classroom, at work, or in the community. Participation in sport has a positive effect on reducing the involvement and exposure youths may have to violence and unethical activity.
Physical benefits of children being involved in sports
- Builds strong bones and strengthens muscles.
- Promotes good posture and balance.
- Improves fitness.
- Strengthens the heart.
- Increases relaxation.
- Enhances healthy growth and development.
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