The intent and purpose of school and youth sports has been debated and philosophised for ages. Why, I am often asked, should my child become involved in tiring games and sports?

For one thing, heed the news. Today’s generation of sedentary children is fighting the worst obesity epidemic in history. Giving kids an opportunity to exercise is reason enough for encouraging them to engage in sports. And burning calories apart, engagement and involvement with athletics and team sports in particular, confer other benefits — social, emotional and physical — upon children.

It’s also pertinent to note that sports is intrinsic to education — playing fields are for children and youth to continue their learning within another domain. This is well documented. Way back in 1999, a study conducted by Education Week reported that the more involved students are with athletics and organised sports and games, the more confident they become about their academic abilities. Another study concluded that youth actively pursuing sports and games demonstrated fewer psychological problems and anti-social behaviour. Furthermore, they exhibit better classroom attendance, high academic achievement and higher aspirations.

Here are some benefits of sports education apart from laurels for scoring, batting, shooting and winning.

Ego check.  All parents know that children must move beyond egocentricity. The “my way or the highway” attitude is kept in check in sports squads and teams. When a child sees that everyone gets to play, they learn about group behaviour and duties and responsibility. Even better, they learn to share their teammates successes, because they discover how the achievement of others is good for them and the team.

Positive mentors. A dedicated, professional coach can have an amazing impact on children. In fact, sometimes children respond better to the coach than to their own parents. When kids have early, positive experiences with coaches, they continue to seek out and learn from mentors who can help them in school, jobs, and other pursuits.

The three ‘Ps’. Just as they must practice spelling, maths, and other skills, children within athletic squads or games teams learn the value of practice, patience, and persistence. Whether it’s showing up for practice when they’d rather be home with Lego, waiting their turn on the sidelines, or repeating the same drill time and over again, learning the three ‘Ps’ translates into important life lessons.

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Self-esteem. Research conducted by Maureen Weiss and her colleagues at the University of Oregon demonstrates that self-esteem and perception of physical ability generated through athletics, are predictive of achievement behaviour, motivation, and positivity (American Psychological Association, 1996). Sports participation and achievement lifts the self-esteem of children and builds confidence in a big way. More than 60 studies conducted at the University of Oregon, demonstrate that even minor achievements in track and field events improve the life skills and self-confidence of students. On the other hand, passive non-participants are 57 percent more likely to drop out of school, 49 percent more likely to use drugs, 37 percent more likely to become teen parents, 35 percent more likely to smoke tobacco, and 27 percent more likely to suffer arrest for criminal behaviour. The thread which runs through all these studies is that participation in sports and games enhances the self-worth and confidence of children and youth, which leads to other socially desirable outcomes.

Aesthetic opportunity. Organised sports and games have aesthetics of their own. Therefore students who engage in them add a new dimension to their appreciation of art and beauty, and learn to be satisfied with the beauty of athletic performance rather than upon scoreboards and victory stands, upon processes rather than outcomes.

Moral experience. Sports also enforces engagement with issues of ethics and morality. Students learn about fair play and chivalry, and of their responsibility to elevate the spirits of teammates, opponents, coaches, officials, parents and spectators.

Family time. Kicking the ball around at home, heading to the soccer field for some drill practice — such outings with children can mean a great deal for parents and kids. Even when children practice with their teams, parents’ attendance can immeasurably strengthen family bonds. In between dribbling and lay-ups, important truths and life lessons can be imparted when an opportunity occurs to teach values.

Sports education can make a huge difference to the lives of children, and deserves the full attention and wisdom of teachers, coaches, and parents. Given the profound impact of participation in athletic, field events and organised sports and games, all these communities need to contribute continuously to enhance the sports experience of children and youth. It will prove an endowment which not only nurtures children, but society as well.

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(Dr. George A. Selleck is a San Francisco-based advisor to EduSports, Bangalore)