Why It Matters
Establishing a strong foundation of appreciation and enjoyment of physical fitness and sports is crucial for the healthy mental and physical development of children. The benefits of regular exercise and structured physical activity, like sports, dance, and martial arts, range from physical health to emotional wellbeing and academic performance.
When children feel capable and confident, school becomes an arena of optimism, and that shows up in attendance, participation, and performance.
What The Research Shows
According to the Journal of Pediatrics, children who participate in structured physical activities have lower body fat and significantly reduced risk of obesity, which has been shown to increase self confidence and positive body image. Regular structured fitness and sports has also been directly correlated to enhanced academic performance, improving cognitive function, decision making, memory, and concentration. A study published in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine found that children who engaged in physical activity had better academic performance and cognitive function than those who were inactive (Chomitz et al., 2009). A large study of over 2,600 Australian schoolchildren ages 10 to 13 found that kids who participated in after school sports and structured fitness had higher self esteem, physical appearance esteem, and athletic competence than those who didn't.
Our Approach
Through team sports, games, and structured collaboration, children learn to work together and develop skills like communication, cooperation, and leadership. They also gain a sense of belonging and achievement when they succeed as a team. When children feel capable and confident, school becomes an arena of optimism that shows up in attendance, participation, and performance.