Why should children play sport? We asked the experts
Why should children be encouraged to play sports? You could argue that sport is the single biggest contributor to physical and mental development that a child could ever receive. The benefits for your child reach far further than achieving the highest level or the excitement that comes with winning a cup. Here are 5 reasons why you should think about exploring sporting clubs that may suit your child:
- Physical Health: Naturally, playing sport will help children become physically fitter, and healthier. But did you know that, athletes who have experienced a multi-sport background tend not to suffer with as many injuries as those who specialise in a single sport. Their range of movements are greater, and their physical fitness is generally more well-rounded.
- Healthy Relationships: Many children make their first true friendships through sport, find their first role models, and learn from examples set out by their coaches.
- Postitive Character Traits: Participation in sport provides children with the perfect space to learn positive values, teamwork, fair play and more. Sport continues to contribute to the development of these character traits in children as they grow up.
- Enhanced Decision Making: When children between the ages of 5-11 are exposed to many different sporting activities, the result can be a better overall skillset and ability to perform at a high level. This, in combination with a smarter, more aware decision-making brain.
- Developing Resilience: Even the most talented athletes will experience set-backs and disappointment. Whether it is missing out on being selected for a team, injury or losing an important match, at the time the emotions can be overwhelming. Learning to deal with these feelings and moving forward, however hard at the time, builds a resilience and positivity. Skills that will stay with young players as they grow into adulthood.
What do the experts say? Why should children play sport?
Don’t just take our word for it though! We spoke to some of the talented sports people that we are lucky enough to have in our area to ask for their thoughts.
Keira Johnson – Football
Where do you currently play football? I play for the Chelsea FC Academy U16 team. I have been really lucky this season to get the chance to play with the England U16 squad.
Why did you choose football as your sport? How did you get started? I started playing football at Balsall and Berkswell Hornets in Solihull and I loved it. I joined a team with U8 boys when I was in Year 2. They trained in the week and played matches at the weekend – It was lots of fun.
What has been the highlight of your career so far? Scoring a winning penalty in a semi final against Real Madrid in Spain to take Chelsea U21’s into the final against Barcelona. And playing for England at U16, of course.
Who is your sporting hero? I have lots! I really like Keira Walsh as she plays my position. I think all footballers have to put Messi right up there!
What advice would you give your younger self as you started your sporting journey? Make sure you enjoy every minute. It’s fun!
What can kids learn from being involved in a sport like yours? Lots of things. Playing football teaches you what it means to be part of a team. Working together and sharing the successes and disappointments that come with sport can lead to amazing friendships. Also, hard work and commitment will really pay off – that is true in sport as well as other areas of your life.
Is attitude or talent more important to success? I think attitude is most important. You can be really talented but if you’re not willing to put in the training hours you won’t ever get the results you want to make that next step!
Sarah Ginn – Cricket
Current role in sport Head Coach of Herefordshire County Cricket Women’s Team. Head of Girl’s Cricket Berkswell CC and Solihull School. Former coach with Warwickshire Cricket Board taking the U17 girls to the County Championship and assisting with the senior women’s side.
Why did you choose your sport? How did you get started? I started playing in school but it became more serious when I was at Cardiff University. There wasn’t a team, so I started one in my second year. It’s still going – Heather Knight was involved when she was at Cardiff.
Career Highlights Playing county cricket in Barbados!
Who was your sporting hero growing up? Why? Ian Botham – there weren’t any female cricket role models at that time.
What advice would you give your younger self as you started your sporting journey? Don’t be put off by social factors. Any child can play any sport. If you love doing something – just enjoy it.
What can kids learn from being involved in a sport like yours? Patience and perseverance.
Is attitude or talent more important to success? Definitely attitude
Current role Director at Diamond Swim Academy Ltd
Why did you choose your sport? How did you get started? My swimming journey started like most – my parents took me to the local baths to learn how to swim when I was 4 years old. I really enjoyed being in the water and after being in lessons for a couple of years, I swam at a gala for my school. I won my race and one of the other moms who’s own child swam for the local competitive club, came and found my mom to ask me to go along and join the club. That was when I was 7 years old and I have been involved in swimming ever since!
Career Highlights As a competitive swimmer I swam for Great Britain at 3 Olympics Games in 1992, 1996 and 2000. I won numerous medals at major games including Gold in the 200m Backstroke at the 1994 Commonwealth Games in Victoria, Canada. After finishing my competitive career I moved into coaching and was a high performance coach for 20 years. During this time I coached 19 International swimmers who won medals at the Commonwealth Games, European Championships, World Junior Championships, Youth Olympics Games, World School Games and European Junior Championships.
Who was your sporting hero growing up? Why? My sporting hero was Adrian Moorhouse who won Olympic Gold in the 100m Breaststroke at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, Korea. I set my alarm to wake up in the middle of night to watch the race on TV and see him win. It blew my young mind!
What advice would you give your younger self as you started your sporting journey? Always believe. Never lose sight of your dream. Listen to your coach!
What can kids learn from being involved in a sport like yours? Swimming is an excellent sport for developing young people. It instills great life skills like discipline, motivation, time-management etc as well developing a healthy body and mind.
Is attitude or talent more important to success? Attitude is everything – even the most naturally talented swimmer, will never excel with a great attitude.
Current Role Head of Boys’ Hockey at Solihull School
Why did you choose your sport? How did you get started?I played many sports as a youngster, but hockey was the sport that I was best at and enjoyed the most. There was a history of playing hockey in my family, so that is how I was introduced to the sport.
Career Highlights Representing GB at the Olympics was a highlight. Playing international hockey over a 10 year period. Winning 8 premier league titles for my home town club. Coaching teams that reached several European finals. Introducing my sport to youngsters and taking them through to when they leave school and then hopefully continuing to play.
Who was your sporting hero growing up? Why? Sebastian Coe. It was an exciting time for middle distance running in this country, with the rivalry between Coe and Steve Ovett. It received a lot of media attention in an era where there was far less sport on the tv than there is now and both of these men were at the top of their game. Some people liked Ovett, I liked Coe; I can’t pinpoint why.
What advice would you give your younger self as you started your sporting journey? Respect the officials.
What can kids learn from being involved in a sport like yours? Hockey will teach kids teamwork, respect, leadership, accountability and so much more.
Is attitude or talent more important to success? I believe that it is hard to be successful without talent, but having the right mentality is the icing on the cake.
Sophie Grovesnor – Swimming
Current role Swimming teacher/ director and Diamond Swim Academy
Why did you choose your sport? How did you get started? I first got into swimming when I was 5 years old and started to have swimming lessons. The main reason for this being my Mum wanted me to learn to swim in case I ever got into trouble around water and need to save myself. I also had a lot of energy as a child, and swimming seemed to use quite a lot up!
Career Highlights I represented Great Britain at both a Junior and Senior level.
Who was your sporting hero growing up? Why? My sporting hero was a fellow swimmer and squad member, who I aspired to be like as a youngster and ended up training in the same squad for several years. He was from my area, worked hard and gave his sport everything. He competed in the Olympics and Commonwealth Games and gave me the drive to train hard.
What advice would you give your younger self as you started your sporting journey? Believe in yourself and above all else, enjoy the process! Surround yourself with good people, trust your instincts, celebrate small victories, and remember that setbacks are opportunities for growth. Don’t be afraid to fail; it’s a crucial part of the learning process.
What can kids learn from being involved in a sport like yours? Swimming is the only sport which can save your life! Not only are there amble of benefits such as improved health, gaining strength and flexibility, the mental benefits and social skills gained during lessons are really help children’s development.
Is attitude or talent more important to success? Attitude is everything! A child who does everything right will overtake the talented child if they don’t have the right attitude!
