Why Get Involved in Sport at a Young Age?
Why get involved in sport at a young age?
The first day I joined a football team, I was scared, anxious, and nervous but excited more than anything. I was 9 years old when I first got into football and it is one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Just last week the BBC reported that pupils were only partaking in sixty minutes of physical activity a week compared to the recommended amount of sixty minutes per day. As much as Physical Education is part and parcel of the national curriculum the responsibility lies not just with schools but also with parents to encourage pupils to explore varied sporting activities. The importance of physical activity is more prevalent than ever in order to support a child?s personal development and mental health.
By offering opportunities for pupils to partake in sport not only combats the driver for physical activity but creates learning of other skills such as team work, communication and social development. Accompanied with concerns over the national average of children?s obesity increasing to 22% encouraging participation in sporting club activities creates life long love of sport that they will most likely take with them into later life.
I played football 3 times a week, training twice during the week and partaking in league match on a Sunday. Now matured I have continued to pursue my love of the sport recognising its positive affects. By getting involved in activities outside of school allowed me to develop friendships beyond those within my own school, socialising with other pupils from other walks of life. I built friendships which are still with me to this day, I had the responsibility as a team member to give my all to succeed for this team which enabled me to gain confidence in myself.
I cannot explain enough the importance sport had on my childhood and still has now in my adult life. Sport has always been viewed and will always be viewed as a way to stay healthy and in shape. Football has taught me life lessons such as responsibility, teamwork, and discipline. It is a powerful tool which brings people together and helps form important social skills.