4 amazing benefits of sports in schools

Besides the obvious physical benefits of participating in sports, being active and getting outside can also enhance children’s mental health and academic progress. Physical activity can be a great outlet for kids’ energy and a way to express themselves, as well as helping them manage difficult emotions. Read on for some more information on the benefits of sports in schools from this girls’ prep school in Surrey. 

1. Boosts confidence

Taking part in sporting activities helps children learn how to work as part of a team to achieve a common goal, and how to rely on others and be relied upon in return. Working with others and celebrating success are great confidence boosters, as is receiving praise for their actions. Encouragement from parents and coaches, and other team members, also helps increase children’s self-esteem. This can have a knock-on effect on other areas of their life, such as in the classroom and when participating in other extra-curricular activities. For example, skateboard lessons not only improve physical skills but also offer a boost in self-belief as kids see their progress over time.

2. Reduces stress

Exercise is a great stress reliever as it provides an outlet for difficult feelings and emotions, while helping children to relax away from the normal stresses and strains of life. Exercise releases feel-good endorphins, and gives children an opportunity to forget about any worries they have for a while. It’s all about the present moment and taking part fully, rather than thinking about the past or the future. It can also be a welcome respite from academic work in the classroom environment. 

3. Helps with social skills

As they learn to work within a team and follow instructions from a coach, children’s communication and interpersonal skills are enhanced. They might also get the chance to act as the leader of the team, which will improve their decision making and delegation skills. They’ll interact with various types of people, including teammates and coaches, and learn how to respond to them in different ways. 

4. Increases discipline and perseverance

Children who engage in sports learn that reaching a goal takes hard work and dedication, and that they have to persevere through difficulties to get what they want. They’ll also learn to listen to and respect a coach’s instructions and apply themselves to the sport consistently, even when they don’t feel like it. This is a great lesson for children which can carry through to other aspects of their life. 

As long as they enjoy the sport they’re participating in, children reap numerous physical, mental and emotional health benefits from it which can positively affect the rest of their lives.