Taking part in team sports reaps rewards aplenty for a child?s mental health but how do schools cater for those who aren?t natural team players" Becky Dickinson reports
The relationship between exercise and well-being can?t be overstated. As adults, we know that being in good physical health increases our energy levels and ability to deal with stress. The same is true for children. Yet sadly, the rise of mobile phone and games console usage amongst youngsters means that many children are now far less active than usual – starting from an early age. However, with a pletheora of national sporting events on the horizon, there?s never been a better time to encourage young people to get back into team sports or to try a new activity.
Credit: RDNE Stock Project via Pexels Alongside the physical benefits, exercise triggers the release of chemicals like endorphins and serotonin, helping children ? and adults ? to stay positive and resilient. And while all forms of exercise are beneficial, team sports can have particular advantages. As well as providing a sense of identity and belonging, being part of a team can promote vital social skills, helping players to become well-rounded individuals, both on and off the pitch.
Team sports can help with social skills
Director of Sport at the Haberdashers? Aske?s Boys? School, Ryan McIntosh, believes it?s hard to beat the buzz of a team environment. ?The camaraderie, motivation to perform your best for the team, the leadership and t...