The benefits of team sport

 

We all know that physical activity is essential for children and adults, and with societal changes occurring such as more reliance on vehicles, less walking, less physically active jobs, and more sitting in front of computer screens, it remains important for our children to be involved in active sports and recreation.

Physical education occurs regularly in all primary schools, but the benefits for children when also participating in team sports cannot be ignored.

Research supports what we may already suspect about the skills and health benefits for children from playing team sports. Obviously there are physical gains such as fitness, health and learning physical skills, but kids also learn so much more. They learn to set goals and stick to them, and see that practice pays off. They also learn resilience when facing a setback, and responsibility and commitment to the team, which is about us, not just me. They get to practise co-operation and social interaction skills and develop self-discipline.

Being part of a team gives a sense of belonging, with less likelihood of feeling isolated. Kids can make new friends and learn to give and receive encouragement and feedback. Research suggests that benefits can also include improved academic achievement, better stress management and stronger peer relationships. The benefits of having fun and enjoyment at any age are vital to our sense of wellbeing.

Young children are naturally active, they take opportunities to run, skip, ride their bikes and play on playgrounds as their bodies develop gross motor skills. Around pre-teen children can become self-conscious about their bodies, growth spurts can make them less co-ordinated or clumsier than they were, and they may pull away from physical activities and sports. This is the time when they may need the most encouragement to stick with it.

To promote sports to reluctant children, parents and caregivers should be active themselves, not just talk about it to their kids. They can help them find out what they most enjoy and match their ability and interest, and of course it needs to be fun. For kids who physically can’t or don’t want to participate in team sports, other physical activities such as bush walking, cycling, swimming, drama and martial arts can be a good way to be active.

There are also many benefits for parents of children playing team sports, such as satisfaction that their kids are getting fit and healthy instead of just playing on electronic devices or watching TV. They can also become part of a “parent team”, building their own self-esteem and confidence, especially if they take on roles within the sports team or club. Parents are learning and modelling behaviours on the sidelines to their kids, such as sportsmanship, encouraging others (not just their child) and making friends. It can also improve relationships between the child and their parents as they have something to talk about and do together. Parents help their kids learn how to lose graciously, show respect towards officials, be supportive of team mates, and put winning into perspective.

Although team sports can be a challenge for parents, being a drain on time, finances and the need to transport them for practices and games, the benefits are very obvious. Most parents of kids playing team sports see these benefits and this motivates them to overcome the obstacles.

n Libby Jones is involved in many community organisations in both paid and volunteer roles. She has experience in social services, health and education including governance, funding, research, clinical and management roles.