Success in sporting education is achieved when students adopt a sport and embrace it for life, and in understanding that a healthy body goes hand-in-glove with a healthy mind. Sport, whether team-based or individual, represents an essential pursuit for children and provides a variety of benefits other than simply physical activity. Participation in sport can help build self-esteem and confidence, can motivate children to excel academically, and can help build social skills. Participation can also teach children the benefits of goal-setting and practice.
The following five key benefits of sport in a schooling context are identified by the Livestrong Foundation:
Physical activity
Physical activity is the most obvious benefit of sports participation. Children often spend too much time watching television or playing video games, but sports practices and matches provide an opportunity for exercise that can help keep children in shape and healthy.
Social skills
Sports participation can help children develop social skills that will benefit them throughout their entire lives. They learn to interact not only with other children their age, but also with older individuals in the form of their coaches and sports officials. Children learn leadership skills, team-building skills and communication skills that will help them in school, their future career, and personal relationships.
Self-esteem
Participation in sport can have a material positive impact on a child’s self-esteem and confidence. Children who participate in sport get praise and encouragement from coaches and parents, which helps to build self-confidence. They also learn to trust in their own abilities and challenge themselves. Constructive criticism is also a major part of sports participation, and children learn to accept such criticism and use it to their benefit.
Academic success
It is no surprise that children who participate in sport excel in academics as well. They can apply the same principles of dedication and hard work learned through sports participation to their studies.
Lifelong health
Sports participation promotes health and wellness not only through childhood but throughout a child’s lifetime. “Lifetime” sports such as swimming and golf are especially beneficial because the child can continue to participate as an adult, benefitting from the physical activity. Children who participate in sport might also be more aware of healthy food choices. Although sports participation is an excellent avenue to promote health and wellness, parents and coaches must encourage healthy living and be positive role models as well.
Sports at Woodlands International College
- Athletics
- Basketball (Boys and Girls)
- Chess
- Cricket
- Cross-Country
- Equestrian
- Golf
- Hockey
- Netball
- Open Water Swimming
- Rugby Sevens
- Soccer (Boys and Girls)
- Swimming
- Tennis
