Why sport is a winning choice for student wellbeing

Sport offers all kinds of ways to boost our wellbeing in the most holistic sense — from mental health and building resilience, to developing social skills, teamwork and trying new activities.

With the Olympic Games underway and Term 3 in full swing, here is a closer look at some of the benefits that come with saying “yes” to sport.

The broader wellbeing benefits of sport

Taking part in sport at any age and any level of competition can deliver great benefits to our mental, emotional and social wellbeing, while improving our physical health as well. Physical activities have been shown to release endorphins, the body’s natural mood lifters, which can alleviate emotions like anxiety and depression. Taking part in sport can also improve a young person’s sense of inclusivity and self-esteem, as they feel the sense of accomplishment that comes from taking part, physically moving and maybe even scoring a win or two.

From the fields and courts to the classroom

While playing sport is a rewarding experience in itself, we also see first-hand how the benefits of sport extend to the classroom too.

Physical activity has been linked to improved sleep, concentration, memory and cognitive function, which can translate to better academic performance. The discipline and focus students learn through sports can help them to develop a strong work ethic and manage time effectively. Sports also provide a productive outlet for all the energy that comes with being a young person, which can support students to stay engaged with their academic activities when they are in the classroom and feel less stressed about exams, assessments and homework.

Diane Furusho, Deputy Principal of Student Wellbeing, sees sport as a great way to build relationships with your peers and work well within a structured environment. “Following the rules of sport can relate to following rules in the classroom,” she says. Students are curious, self-motivated, well organised and resilient.

The benefits of taking part in team activities

Teamwork, connection and collaboration are all vital aspects of the school experience - even in an online school environment. They foster a sense of community and belonging as young people learn to work together towards a common goal.

This collaborative environment helps develop essential social skills such as communication, empathy, leadership and conflict resolution. Being part of a team also instils a sense of responsibility and accountability, as each member must contribute to the team’s success. These experiences can build lasting friendships and a support network that extends beyond the classroom and sports field.

Supporting children to balance sport and education

For many students, particularly those taking part in sport at a competitive level, the pressures of navigating the demands of both their sport and their education might be challenging. Parents can play a crucial role in supporting their children as they navigate the pressures of performing at their peak in all kinds of ways, so they can still experience all the positive benefits to their wellbeing.

Neringa recommends, “Helping with organisation and setting priorities, and having some flexibility regarding priorities. Sometimes sport training or competition may take priority, and at other times study and school may need to take priority.”

She also recognises the importance of taking time to recharge. “Acknowledge that they may not be able to give 100% to everything at the same time, especially once they reach Years 11 and 12 — they may need to prioritise,” she says. “Teach your young person to notice signs of when they are starting to reach their limit with commitments. Noticing these signs when they have reached 80–90% of their limit is important, before they are exhausted.”

Open communication is key, so that young people feel comfortable to share any feelings of stress they are experiencing. Together, you can work out a more balanced approach to time management, prioritising tasks and setting goals. Haileybury’s brilliant teachers and coaching staff are all on-hand to support you and your young person with striking a healthy balance as well.

Encourage young people to take part in non-competitive sports

Playing sport at a more high-performing, competitive level is not for everyone. However, that does not mean young people should miss out on the wellbeing benefits that come with getting active, getting out there and having a go. Instead, parents can encourage their children to focus on having fun, teamwork and bonding, and personal growth rather than competition.

You might consider introducing your young person to a variety of activities, such as swimming, cycling, or dance, so that they can find what they enjoy most. If they are still curious about team sports, focus on the social side of joining a team, rather than the pressure of being chosen for a certain sport at a competitive level.

Ultimately, parents should try to create a positive and fun environment around sport and physical activity, where it is okay to try something and not like it, or feel disappointed for not excelling right away. It takes time to settle into something new and develop skills — and the novelty of playing the game should not be lost along the way.

Why parents should consider playing sports with their children

Taking part in sports with your young person is a great opportunity to connect with them over a shared interest, while setting a positive example. These shared activities provide an opportunity for quality time, fostering open communication and providing encouragement if your child is lacking confidence when playing a certain sport. Parents can also model healthy behaviours like navigating stress and setbacks, while promoting a more active lifestyle for the whole family.

“It is great for parents to play sport with their children,” says Diane.