Benefits of School Sports Participation

It's proven that Sports provides academic achievement, mental well-being, and lifelong skills development

It's crucial to recognise the benefits of school sports participation. Not only physical health but also academic achievement, mental well-being, and lifelong skills development. While the importance of sports is widely acknowledged, these statistics shed light on the broader positive impacts that often go unnoticed in discussions about school sports.

If you are looking to improve your Sports Budget in your School, or just want to know what the benefits of sports are on students, then we have compiled some key research on the relationship of sports and learning benefits gained.

For budget justification:

For PE Teachers or Sports Co-ordinators, you need to show a solid case for that added expenditure in the budget. We look at some of the things you might want to highlight that will show improvements in sports will also improve your school.

1. Improved Academic Performance:

• Stat: According to a study published in the Journal of School Health, students who participate in school sports are not only physically healthier but also tend to have higher academic achievements.
• Source: Fiscella, K., & Kitzman, H. (2009). Disparities in Academic Achievement and Health: The Intersection of Child Education and Health Policy.

2. Enhanced Social Skills and Teamwork:

• Stat: School sports provide a unique environment for fostering social skills. A survey by the National Centre for Education Statistics revealed that students engaged in sports are more likely to develop teamwork, leadership, and communication skills.
• Source: National Centre for Education Statistics. (2018). The Condition of Education 2018.

3. Mental Health Benefits:

• Stat: Engaging in school sports is linked to improved mental health. A study in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that participation in sports is associated with a reduced risk of depressive symptoms among adolescents.
• Source: Vella, S. A., & Swann, C. (2019). Associations Between Sports Participation, Mental Health, and Academic Outcomes in Australian Adolescents.

4. Decreased Dropout Rates:

• Stat: Participating in sports has a positive impact on school completion rates. Research from the National Bureau of Economic Research indicates that students involved in extracurricular activities, including sports, have lower dropout rates.
• Source: Jacob, B. A., & Wilder, T. (2011). Educational Expectations and Attainment. National Bureau of Economic Research.

5. Reduced Health Disparities:

• Stat: Participation in school sports can contribute to narrowing health disparities. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that school sports programs can be instrumental in promoting physical activity, potentially reducing obesity-related health disparities among students.
• Source: Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. (2010). School Health Guidelines for promoting healthy eating and physical activity.

Additional insights on behaviour and in-class attention:

There is also evidence suggesting a positive association between sports participation at schools, improved behaviour, and in-class attention. We have listed some key details based on available research:

1. Improved Behaviour:

• Research Findings: Studies, such as the one published in the Journal of School Health, indicate that students engaged in sports programs tend to exhibit improved behaviour both inside and outside the classroom. Regular physical activity has been associated with reduced disciplinary issues and enhanced self-discipline.
• Source: Trudeau, F., & Shephard, R. J. (2008). Physical education, school physical activity, school sports and academic performance. Journal of School Health, 78(8), 417-424.

2. Enhanced In-Class Attention:

• Research Findings: Physical activity, including participation in sports, has been linked to improved cognitive function, attention, and concentration. Students who are physically active may experience better focus in the classroom, leading to enhanced academic performance.
• Source: Hillman, C. H., Pontifex, M. B., Castelli, D. M., Khan, N. A., Raine, L. B., Scudder, M. R., ... & Kamijo, K. (2014). Effects of the FITKids randomised controlled trial on executive control and brain function. Paediatrics, 134(4), e1063-e1071.

3. Behavioural Interventions through Sports:

• Research Findings: Some school-based interventions use sports and physical activity as tools to address behavioural challenges. These programs aim to channel energy positively, instil discipline, and foster teamwork, resulting in improved behaviour and classroom dynamics.
• Source: Keegan, R. J., Harwood, C. G., Spray, C. M., & Lavallee, D. E. (2009). A qualitative investigation of the motivational climate in elite sport. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 10(3), 362-372.

4. Impact on Social and Emotional Learning:

• Research Findings: School sports programs often contribute to the development of social and emotional skills, including self-regulation and interpersonal relationships. These skills can positively influence behaviour and attentiveness in the classroom.
• Source: Domitrovich, C. E., Durlak, J. A., Staley, K. C., & Weissberg, R. P. (2017). Social-emotional competence: An essential factor for promoting positive adjustment and reducing risk in school children. Child Development, 88(2), 408-416.

While individual responses to sports participation may vary, the overall trend in research suggests a beneficial relationship between school sports involvement, improved behaviour, and enhanced in-class attention.