Extra-curricular activities are a fantastic way for children to develop many personal skills. These skills should support them in other areas of their lives. Sport, for instance, is great for helping a child with their social skills, as they learn to be a team player and follow directions from their coach. There are lots of other benefits for children being part of a sports team. But ultimately the decision about whether or not you should encourage them to join one depends on their interests.  

I have teamed up with a prep school in Oxfordshire who believe that sport “prolongs enjoyment and interaction with their [students’] peers and promotes a healthy, active lifestyle”. Exercise is obviously greatly beneficial for young people, from both a physical and mental perspective. With the increased production of ‘feel-good’ hormones. A child who is part of a sports team should be in a better mood and more able to handle the pressures of life.  

Learn Valuable Skills

However, in addition to improved health and better social skills. Being part of a sports team will also help your child learn the importance of hard-work and commitment. They will learn to juggle a busy schedule successfully, which will look fantastic on their future CV and university applications. What’s more, they will learn how to win with poise and lose with grace, which will transfer to the other ups and downs they face in life. In other words, they will learn how to handle life’s setbacks without giving up. 

Better Academic Performance

With all of the skills developed and explored through being part of a sports team. It is likely that your child will also perform better in school. With their newfound confidence, they may be more comfortable raising their hand in class and getting involved with group discussions. Their social skills will help them support their peers and their understanding of the importance of commitment will encourage them to continue working hard on their studies, even when the going gets tough.  However, as mentioned above, it has to be their own decision. There are plenty of other extra-curricular clubs available to young people, if sport is not the right answer.