The perfect pairing: Sports and child development

Child development is a complex process influenced by multiple factors: genetics, nutrition, emotional environment, stimulation... and, increasingly recognized, physical activity. Within this, team sports stand out as an especially powerful tool for fostering not only physical growth but also psychological and social development in children.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP, 2018), physical activity should be treated as a "powerful medicine" that pediatricians prescribe during each medical consultation. The AAP highlights that only one in four children meets the recommended guidelines of 60 minutes of physical activity daily and warns of the risks associated with the growing sedentary lifestyle in childhood, such as obesity, metabolic diseases, and mental health issues.

In schools, this reality is becoming increasingly visible. Children are observed who struggle to climb stairs without getting tired, ask to sit down or rest during recess, or prefer to remain still or seated instead of playing actively. Cases of children complaining of muscle or joint pain after moderate physical activity or showing low endurance to physical effort are also frequent—something that just a few years ago was uncommon at such young ages.

Participating in team sports offers a natural and stimulating way to reverse this situation. It's not just about moving but doing so in a context that promotes essential values for holistic development:

Social Learning

Through team sports, children learn to collaborate with others, respect rules, communicate effectively, and resolve conflicts constructively. These social skills are crucial for their future academic, professional, and personal lives. Moreover, team sports allow children to assume different roles within the group, such as being a leader, support, or strategist, which enhances specific social skills, boosts self-esteem, and strengthens the sense of belonging (Eime et al., 2013).

Emotional Growth

In sports, children experience success but also frustration and failure in a protected and shared environment. These experiences help them develop resilience, self-control, and self-esteem based on effort and personal growth (AAP, 2018).

Cognitive Development

Numerous studies link moderate physical activity with improvements in behavior, concentration, and academic performance (Donnelly et al., 2016). The AAP states that exercise enhances attention and focus in learning—skills that are crucial during the school years.

Physical Strength

Regular participation in sports strengthens muscles, bones, and the cardiovascular system, preventing overweight and reducing risk factors for chronic diseases from an early age (AAP, 2018).

Moreover, scientific evidence supports the specific importance of team sports for psychological well-being. A systematic review by Eime et al. (2013), published in BMC Public Health, shows that team sports are associated with higher levels of psychological well-being in children and adolescents compared to individual sports. Social interaction, group identity, and emotional support between teammates are key factors explaining this difference.

Team sports also offer a playful and motivating component that helps make physical activity a healthy lifelong habit. Belonging to a team reinforces the sense of identity and group membership—a basic need in childhood and adolescence.

For all these reasons, it is important for families and schools to encourage opportunities for children to engage in organized sports and free-play activities that involve movement. Parents also play a critical role as active role models: children who see their parents enjoying sports are more likely to maintain a healthy lifestyle in adulthood.

Ultimately, promoting team sports during childhood is not just an investment in physical health. It’s an investment in children who are more secure, resilient, collaborative, and focused—qualities that are essential for their future.

References

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). (2018). Physical Activity Assessment and Counseling in Pediatric Clinical Settings.

Donnelly, J. E., et al. (2016). Physical Activity, Fitness, Cognitive Function, and Academic Achievement in Children: A Systematic Review. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 48(6), 1197–1222.

Eime, R. M., Young, J. A., Harvey, J. T., Charity, M. J., & Payne, W. R. (2013). A systematic review of the psychological and social benefits of participation in sport for children and adolescents. BMC Public Health, 13, 963.