1. Building physical health and fitness through sport

   Regular participation in sport plays a crucial role in promoting children’s physical health. Engaging in activities like soccer, basketball, or swimming helps children develop stronger muscles, bones, and cardiovascular health, not to mention better sleep patterns. As Better Health Victoria notes, sports improve coordination, flexibility, and agility, all of which contribute to a child’s overall physical development. These benefits can also translate to better performance in other activities – whether it’s academic tasks or simply navigating daily life with more physical confidence.

Moreover, children who stay active through sport are less likely to suffer from obesity and chronic conditions such as heart disease or diabetes later in life. Early involvement in physical activity sets a foundation for a healthy lifestyle that extends into adulthood.

2. Sport and academic success: the strong link

What many don’t realise is that the benefits of sport go far beyond physical health – they can also significantly improve academic performance. According to research from the University of Sydney, students who engage in sports regularly tend to perform better academically. The key lies in the cognitive benefits of physical activity, which boosts focus, memory, and brain function.

Participation in sport also helps children develop discipline, time management, and goal-setting skills – traits that are highly transferable to their studies. It’s not just about cognitive development: according to the Tell Them From Me survey from the NSW Department of Education, participation in school sport is linked to improved academic outcomes and higher rates of school completion. Students who engage in sport are more likely to feel connected to their school community, which positively influences their motivation to succeed academically.

Physical activity also reduces stress and anxiety, creating a mental state that is conducive to learning and concentration. When children are engaged in sport, they are more likely to maintain a balanced, focused approach to their studies.

3. Social skills and emotional intelligence in sport

Sport is not only a fantastic way to stay physically fit—it also provides opportunities for children to build essential social and emotional skills. Team sports, for example, help children learn teamwork, communication, and leadership. Whether they’re playing in a team or engaging in individual activities, children learn to collaborate, support their peers, and solve problems together.

Sport also promotes emotional intelligence. Through sport, children experience both success and failure, and in doing so, learn how to manage their emotions. They develop resilience (the ability to bounce back from setbacks), and learn how to deal with disappointment in a constructive way. According to the Clearinghouse for Sport, young people who are members of sporting clubs demonstrate greater trust in others, develop more close friendships and possess a greater desire to give back to their community through volunteering. These emotional skills are crucial for developing healthy relationships and coping with the challenges of everyday life.

Importantly, as highlighted in Tell Them From Me, students who participate in school sport are more likely to feel a sense of belonging and social connectedness, which has a direct impact on their overall wellbeing and mental health.

4. Developing life skills through sports participation

Sport is vital for children to learn valuable life skills that they will carry with them throughout their lives. Leadership, problem-solving, perseverance, and time management are all essential skills developed through sport. Whether leading a team, making quick decisions during a game, or managing their schedules to balance sport with academics, children gain important experiences that help them grow as individuals.

Moreover, sport fosters a growth mindset. Children learn that success doesn’t come easily, but through hard work, practice, and resilience. This lesson translates well into other areas of life, from academic challenges to personal achievements. Sport encourages children to push beyond their comfort zones, build confidence, and embrace challenges, making them more likely to succeed in all aspects of life.

5. Mental health and wellbeing

Sport is also a powerful tool for promoting mental health. Regular physical activity helps reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress, which are common among children and adolescents. Healthdirect Australia emphasises that sport promotes the release of endorphins which are chemicals in the brain that enhance mood and contribute to overall mental wellbeing.

Participating in sport gives children an outlet for stress and provides a sense of achievement that boosts their confidence and self-esteem. It also helps children develop coping strategies for dealing with life’s challenges. Students who participate in sport report higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction and are better equipped to cope with life’s ups and downs.

In an age where mental health challenges are on the rise among young people, encouraging children to participate in sport is one of the best ways to support their emotional and mental wellbeing.

6. Encouraging lifelong physical activity

Sport participation from a young age fosters a lifelong love of physical activity. Children who engage in sport early on are more likely to continue exercising as adults, establishing healthy habits that can help prevent lifestyle diseases such as obesity and cardiovascular conditions.

By encouraging participation in sport, schools help children form the foundation for a healthy, active lifestyle. Whether it’s through organised sports teams or casual physical activities, schools that promote sport are contributing to students’ long-term health and wellbeing.

7. Boosting confidence and self-esteem

Sport is an excellent way to build a child’s self-esteem and confidence. Achieving a personal best, winning a match, or simply mastering a new skill boosts a child’s sense of pride and accomplishment. These experiences foster a positive self-image and instil confidence that extends beyond the sports field.

Additionally, sport helps children learn to handle both success and failure gracefully, teaching them that effort and persistence are just as important as the outcome. These experiences in resilience, perseverance, and self-discipline help children develop a growth mindset, which is crucial for both academic success and personal development.