4 Reasons Children Should Play Sport.

Why children should play sport.

We here, at Great Yarmouth Sport and Leisure Trust all know that physical activity is one of the best benefits of sports participation – getting outside and away from the lures of television and video games (all in good measure obviously!)

But, whilst sports and games give opportunities for exercise; to keep children in shape and healthy, there are also a vast variety of benefits over and above the physical side that will last long beyond the team or playing of the sport.

Self-esteem and confidence boosting

Sports and physical activity, we know from experience, has huge, positive impact on a child’s self-esteem. Learning to trust their own abilities as they grow and to push themselves.

They can teach motivation, help them excel in academics and improve social skills. Participation can also teach children the importance of goal setting and ambition - persistence is needed when you are a sportsperson and learning to deal with victories and set backs is all part and parcel of growing confidence.

Respecting the strengths and weaknesses of others and learning how to support and be inspired in equal measures is a wonderful thing to learn from a young age and being part of a sports team will always throw up that kind of mix. All important reasons to be encouraging our children to get moving and get involved in school sports or outside clubs.

Social skills

There really is nothing like being part of a team to build social skills! These skills not only benefit within that sporting moment but will benefit throughout life. Dealing with difficult people or difficult situations – all skills that can be learnt on the field, in the dojo, the sports-hall or swimming pool.

Social skills are not limited to simply interacting with peers but also prepare us for leadership skills, team building, and communication; valuable life skills that can be applied to school, future careers and personal relationships. As an aside, it also allows children to confidently engage with those outside of their peers, communicating with older children and adults allowing them to express themselves appropriately, a skill so often forgotten about.

Lifelong wellness

Finally, lifelong health is something important to us, health and wellness shouldn’t be limited to children but encouraged into adulthood. Being active (we hope) brings with it an awareness of healthy life choices for example eating well and ensuring the right nutrition is fuelling all that energy, sleeping well, learning how to deal with daily stress and more - and that can only be a positive thing.

So, if you have a team that needs funding – get in touch, we know how important team spirit is as a whole, and to the individual.

Grant Provides Football kits for Southtown Primary School

New Football kits for Southtown Primary School

We are pleased to share one of our latest grant recipients, Southtown primary school. A primary school with 220 pupils in need of funding for football kit.

They applied successfully for funding from Great Yarmouth Sport and Leisure Trust to go towards new football kit for children in all sizes and for all years.

By applying for funding, the school would be able to provide enough kit in various sizes to fit all year groups.

We know from many of our grant applications (and wider research) the importance of kit bringing a team together to create equality on the playing field. It negates the need for labels and unifies the team, hopefully bringing more fun, more drive and more community in their sports endeavours.

Importantly the kits would promote self-esteem, confidence and social skills. Not only this but in their application, they also noted the fundamental importance of the kit allowing the school and pupils to have more participation in competitions and inter-school events, opening the opportunity to all age ranges; meaning the fund will benefit other people in the community, as it gives all children a chance to play.

Nuno in Year 4 said: “We feel proud to represent our school in our new kits.  We all looked smart and it made us play better!” and Oliver in Year 6 said “It makes a difference when we are all dressed the same and I really like having numbers on our backs like professional players.” GOOD LUCK SOUTHTOWN PRIMARY SCHOOL FOOTBALLERS! 

You can follow Southtown’s sporting endeavours via their website southtownprimaryschool.com and Twitter @southtownschool

IF YOUR CLUB OR GROUP IS IN THE BOROUGH OF GREAT YARMOUTH AND NEEDS SEED FUNDING, PLEASE ENQUIRE ABOUT FUNDING FOR KIT, EQUIPMENT OR OTHER COSTS, WE MAY BE ABLE TO HELP.

Hopton CE Primary School on the Path to Team Spirit!

Hopton CE Primary School PTA work hard throughout the year to raise vital funds for their school. The children were playing football matches in their PE kit, and it was felt that funding for proper kit would encourage those who don't participate in sport to do so outside of school hours. Some families can't commit to rigid training and games being held at the weekends. These children would have the opportunity of belonging to a school team, and the proper kits would help achieve this.

Great Yarmouth Sport and Leisure Trust approved the application, and the team are already playing in their new kit! Mr Petersen from the school said:

"The difference a football kit can make...

This year Hopton CE Primary Academy decided to enter the local Y6 football league to give our children more opportunities to work as a team and to compete against other local schools. We wanted to expand our sports provision and give children a chance to shine in an environment outside of the classroom.

Competing in our first game, we turned up in our PE kit, some of which was school branded, some of which was not. When seeing that our opponents all had a team kit, it was visibly clear that the children already felt defeated. Having a football kit with the school badge would give the children an identity and make them proud to represent our school. It will bring them closer together and level the playing field before the game.

Since having the football kits, the 'buzz' around football games is palpable with children so keen to know which number they are going to have and where they are going to play. The children look so smart, and it has made a difference in their confidence and sense of belonging." Mr Petersend, Year 6 Teacher, Hopton Primary School.

If your club or group is in the borough of Great Yarmouth and needs seed funding, please enquire about funding for kit, equipment or other costs, we may be able to help.

Six Reasons Why Team Sports Are Good For Your Health

1. Team sports reduce obesity and increase overall health.

2. Athletes who train with a team are healthier.

3. Being part of a team enhances self-image.

4. Competition improves endurance.

5. Team sports increase long-term happiness.

6. Team sports make you smarter.

Convinced?! If your team needs funding for equipment, kit or fundraising materials - check out our criteria, you could be eligible for funding for up to £500.