Step up your game: Introducing sports to kids

ARTICLE: RAM JERUEL VASQUEZ | JANUARY 27, 2024.

More people began to play and watch sports as it got more popular due to the rise of online streaming platforms, and that's great news! From every tip-off, highlight play, and up until the last shot, the level of competition and emotional connection put the audience on the edge of their seats.

While teens and adults mostly watch sports broadcasts, young audiences are now exposed to these kinds of online content through social media and even sports-themed kid shows, like Slam Dunk, Haikyuu!!, Kuroko’s Basketball, and Supa Strikas.

A study by OnePoll revealed that more than eight out of ten children watch sports, 7% of whom do so every day. Sadly, only almost three in ten kids take part in various kinds of sports in their free time at least two days a week.

When everything is becoming digital and sedentary, something needs to be changed. So get up parents, titas and titos, and ates and kuyas, warm the kids up as we introduce the lifelong benefits of sports far beyond the playing field.

Home-court advantage

Sport is a powerful activity that can break down barriers and elevate our well-being. By allowing children to play in our homes, they are bound to develop physical skills such as strength, agility, balance, speed, and flexibility.

Sports inside and outside our homes can also reduce the risk of health-related issues, including lifestyle illnesses like stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and several cancers.

Being involved in vigorous activities regularly can result in mental benefits that will potentially determine the kids’ overall fitness going forward. Engaging in sports will improve their mood, confidence, and organization.

Winning values

It’s no secret that sports cultivate a competitive nature, but they can also help children enhance their social skills with others while enjoying a fun game.

When kids participate in different kinds of team sports, it teaches them the values of teamwork, sportsmanship, communication, and discipline. Once they begin to trust one another, they’re going to achieve great things together.

Kids will build their character through challenges. Each one possesses that sense of curiosity and energy deep within, so just let them unlock their imagination and experience the power of play!

Give and take

While every step in a child’s journey to entering sports is made possible through the parents’ guidance, the parent-child relationship plays an important role as well. For every practice, training, and game, parents should be present at the moment and provide for the needs of the child.

Through listening and following their parents’ feedback and advice, the kids will understand the intricacies of the sport and feel confident in their ability to master and showcase their skills.

Meanwhile, parents get to celebrate every victory with their children. Imagine how special it would be to see them cheering the kids from the sidelines as they go out there and have the time of their lives, creating memories they will all be proud of.

Dreamers today, champions tomorrow

While it would be ideal for kids to have complete resources for playing sports, not everyone has the opportunity. However, they can still be introduced to sports with the support and guidance of the people around them.

Some facilities offer free indoor practice and training for kids. The parents can reach out to their respective local government units (LGUs) to know if they have sports programs for children.

For every kid out there, anything is possible in the world of sports. A lot of famous professional athletes today started from scratch when they were young. They clawed their way up and were discovered by sports agents and scouts. Well, your kid might be the next sports star!

At the end of the day, sports are always there for kids to enjoy and learn. Don’t hesitate to introduce it to them, as it will help them in multiple ways and may even lead to a future opportunity. Tell the kids to dream big and follow their passion, whether sports or something else, because there is no harm in trying if it’s something worth fighting for.