Is your little one starting to show interest in sport and physical activity? Perhaps they haven’t yet had chance to try different ones and find the sport they love. But whatever their ability or level of interest, there are a host of benefits to encouraging them at an early age!
You can start by giving them a taster of different sports at home or in your local area, from running in the garden to using cricket bats in the park or tennis rackets on a court. You may then want to sign them up for a local club or team, booking a taster session and inviting their friends along too.
However their journey into sports begins, here’s how it could be worthwhile for their wellbeing and development:
Fitness and activity
The NHS recommends that children and young people aged 5 to 18 get an average of 60 minutes moderate or vigorous physical activity every day.
While walking might bore them and the gym isn’t appropriate yet, sports are an engaging way to keep them active and healthy – especially in comparison to indoor activities such as video gaming and watching TV!
They’re great for supporting their physical development too. Tennis, football and other sporting activities help improve balance and coordination, while consistent training will enhance their strength and stamina over time.
Teamwork and social skills
Much like play, sports can be vital for developing social skills that help children advance as they grow older. Group sports in particular help teach them the benefits and dynamics of teamwork, allowing them to interact with children of different ages and backgrounds.
Participating in sports can also help develop leadership qualities that allow them to excel in other areas of life. It teaches them about sportsmanship too and understanding that winning and losing are both part of life and need to be handled graciously.
And of course, playing sports is a great way for children to make friends and develop long-term connections!
Mental and emotional benefits
Sport England reports a host of mental benefits to engaging in physical activity. Self-esteem is a big one, with young people able to develop a better understanding of their personal identity and abilities.
At the same time, many sports demand that athletes maintain a certain level of discipline, whether mental, physical or tactical. This includes following rules and coach instructions, with positive rewards on offer for listening and meeting or exceeding expectations.
Sport can also help develop their focus and creative thinking abilities. Studying how best to perform a technique or finding solutions for beating an opponent, for example, can translate seamlessly to academic and professional performance.
This article isn’t exhaustive either, so what are you waiting for? It could even be an opportunity to try different sports and meet new people for yourself!
