«At the early stage of sports development, the priority should be nurturing the love for the game and physical activity, rather than an obsession with winning».

The importance of sports in children’s education lies in its impact on various fundamental areas of their development, such as peer relationships, self-esteem, and self-concept.

Firstly, sports foster social relationships among children. During sports practice, children interact, collaborate, and compete with their peers, helping them develop key social skills such as teamwork, effective communication, and empathy. These interactions contribute to forming positive and lasting relationships among children, providing them with a sense of belonging and social support.

Additionally, sports significantly influence children’s self-esteem. By participating in sports activities and achieving personal goals, children experience an increase in self-confidence and feel more capable and self-assured. Recognition of their achievements by coaches, peers, and family members further reinforces their self-esteem and motivates them to continue striving and improving themselves.

Furthermore, sports influence children’s self-concept, or how they see themselves. As children acquire skills and improve their performance in sports, they develop a more positive self-image and identify themselves as athletic and capable individuals. This sense of sporting identity contributes to their emotional well-being and provides them with a solid foundation to build a positive self-image in other aspects of their lives.

The reasons why children choose to participate in sports activities are diverse and evolve over time. Initially, children often engage in sports primarily for fun, to improve their skills, and to spend time with friends. However, as they grow older, motivation may shift towards competition and the desire to achieve success in sports.

It is important to note that while competition may be an integral part of sports, it is crucial for children to learn to enjoy the activity above all else. Fostering a positive sports environment focused on learning and personal growth helps ensure that competition is healthy and constructive for children. By prioritising enjoyment and personal development in sports, the groundwork is laid for children to engage in competition in a healthy and balanced manner, valuing effort, personal improvement, and camaraderie over purely competitive results.

Stages in sports

During the stage between 6 and 12 years old, children are in a crucial period of initiation into any sport. In this phase, the main focus should be purely recreational and formative, both emotionally and physically.

In sports initiation for children of this age, it is fundamental to prioritize fun and learning over results. The main goal is to provide them with a positive experience in sports, where they can explore, experiment, and develop skills without the pressure of competition. This initiation stage is crucial because children are in a continuous process of physical and psychological development, and it is important to respect this pace.

Forcing the sports development process of children can have negative consequences. Trying to accelerate these stages can lead to boredom, stress, anxiety, developmental stagnation, and, in extreme cases, even bullying or abandonment of sports activities.

It is approximately from the age of 13 onwards when competitiveness begins to gradually appear as a natural process in sports practice. At this stage, children begin to show a greater interest in competing and improving themselves, but it is still important to maintain a balanced focus on pleasure and fun in sports.

Therefore, sports for children at this early stage should be primarily a recreational and educational activity. Through sports, the aim is not only to promote physical activity but also to promote the harmonious development of the child and enhance their values, such as teamwork, discipline, and respect. This satisfactory progression through the initiation and development stages prepares children to compete healthily in the future, with a solid foundation of skills and values acquired throughout their sports experience.

Play is the foundation

In children’s sports development, play serves as the fundamental basis upon which skills, passion, and healthy competition are nurtured and built. It is through play that children explore, experience, and learn, thus developing a deep connection with physical activity.

Competitiveness in sports is built on a solid foundation of fun and enjoyment. In the early stages, the priority is for children to have fun and enjoy the sport they are practicing. Play is the primary vehicle that facilitates this process. Children engage in free play and pre-sport activities that allow them to become familiar with the structure of the sport in a playful and pressure-free manner.

During this phase, children experience the joy of movement, exploration, and socialization through play. They do not focus on winning or losing but on enjoying the process and learning new skills. This play-centered mindset fosters a positive attitude towards physical activity and establishes a solid foundation for healthy sports development in the future.

Free play and pre-sport activities allow children to develop fundamental skills, such as coordination, balance, agility, and communication, in a natural and pressure-free way. Additionally, these games promote teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving, skills that are essential both on and off the field.

In conclusion, play is the foundation upon which children’s sports development is built. It is through play that children discover their love for sports, develop skills, and cultivate a positive attitude towards physical activity. By prioritizing play in the early stages, the groundwork is laid for healthy sports development and a lasting relationship with sports throughout life.

Early competitiveness

The pressure to make children compete at an early age can have counterproductive effects on their sports development and their relationship with sports in general. Insisting on competition before children have had the chance to fully enjoy the activity they are participating in risks inhibiting their potential as athletes.

There is often a misconception that starting children in competition from an early age will better prepare them for future sporting success. However, this mindset can have significant negative consequences.

Instead of fostering a healthy and motivating environment, early competitiveness often leads to stressful and anxiety-inducing situations for children. Many children face unrealistic expectations from parents and coaches, who pressure them to win at all costs. This pressure can be overwhelming and discouraging for them, especially when faced with defeat.

It can also lead to conflicts between parents, coaches, and teammates. Discussions about children’s performance and rivalries between families can create a tense and unpleasant atmosphere in the sports environment, making it difficult for children to fully enjoy the experience.

Furthermore, excessive pressure can cause children to become discouraged and lose interest in sports at an early age. Instead of developing a lasting passion for physical activity, many children quit sports due to the stress and pressure they experience.

The role of adults

It is essential for adults not to undermine children’s intrinsic motivations, i.e., the pleasure they feel from simply participating in sports activities.

External rewards, such as material prizes in competitions when they are very young, can undermine this internal motivation of the child. Therefore, parents and coaches should be mindful not to focus solely on results or tangible rewards, but on the process and experience itself.

To fulfill this role effectively, adults should:

Avoid pushing children to specialize in a single sport from an early age. Practicing various sports is beneficial for children’s physical, mental, and social development. It is important to allow them to explore different activities and discover their interests and skills.

David is an 8-year-old boy who loves trying out different sports. His parents encourage him to participate in football, swimming, and tennis, allowing him to explore his interests. Thanks to this variety of activities, David discovers his passion for swimming and tennis, while enjoying football more casually during school recess. This diversity allows him to develop a wide range of skills and stay active in a fun and varied way.

Ask children if they are having fun during games and practices, rather than simply asking if they won or scored goals. Focusing on the fun and enjoyment of the activity reinforces the importance of the process over the results.

During a football match, 10-year-old Maria has fun playing with her friends, regardless of the game’s result. After the match, her father asks her how she felt during the game and if she had fun. Maria enthusiastically talks about the fun moments she shared with her teammates, demonstrating that she values the experience and camaraderie over victory or defeat.

Emphasize effort and learning over results. Recognizing and praising hard work, perseverance, and personal improvement promotes a growth mindset and self-improvement in children.

Juan plays basketball and is working on improving his shooting skills. During practice, his coach praises his effort and dedication to improve, even if he doesn’t score many points in games. Juan’s parents also show him support and pride for his determination and progress in the game, emphasizing that the most important thing is his commitment to learning and personal growth.

By adopting these practices, adults can significantly contribute to a more rewarding and enriching sports experience for children. Valuing the process over the results and focusing on pleasure and learning strengthens children’s intrinsic motivation and promotes healthier and longer-lasting sports development.