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Does playing sports excel your kids’ academic performance?

children running while holding a ball

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Contrary to popular belief, a commitment to sports does not jeopardize a child’s academics – rather, it enhances it. Research has shown that beyond the numerous health and mental benefits, exercise and sports boost the development of a child’s brain. Quite literally, research has shown active kids to be brainier, in that parts of their brain actually become larger thanks to exercising

 

In a side-by-side comparison of kids who were active vs not active, it was found that active kids had a significantly larger hippocampal and basal ganglia as well as higher amounts of grey matter. This is important as these are the parts of the brain that are responsible for memory and complex cognitive function required for higher level thinking. During exercise, these parts of the brain are active and engaged. When the neurons in these structures are engaged and pushed, this leads to increased concentration, enhanced memory, and stimulating creativity.

Apart from the physiological benefits of exercise, the mindset that a child learns from exercise and sports also play a big part in why an active child is likely to perform better on tests. When kids engage in exercise and sports regularly, they learn self-discipline and focus. This discipline and rigor are then cross-applied to their academic life.

A strong body of research supports these conclusions. Researchers in Spain followed 2,000 children aged 6 to 18 for three years, observing how physical fitness, motor skills, and muscle strength related to academic performance. Researchers found that the more active kids had higher grades. In fact, a recent study found that a lack of exercise could be hurting schoolchildren’s grades in Hong Kong. Despite the extensively researched and proven benefits of physical exercise to a child’s physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing, kids, unfortunately, are still not getting the exercise that they need.

Elementary school kids in a classroom raising their hands

Sign your child up for a sports camp!

We understand that sometimes, it can be hard to get your child to exercise. Sometimes, kids just need that little push in order to find out that they love something. Sign your child up for one of our sports camps! With many different sports taught at our sports camps, your child is sure to find a sport that he/she loves.

Shown below is a sample of one of our holiday camp programmes. For one whole week, your child will be engaged in learning how to play different sports and interacting with new friends.

Sign your child up for sports classes!

This holiday, help your child pick up a healthy hobby by signing them up for sports classes here at Sport4Kids. Sport4Kids offers loads of sports for your child to choose from: Swimming, soccer, basketball, tennis, karate, multisports.

To find out more, click here

 

About Sport4Kids

Sport4Kids, the leading sports coaching company in Asia, was established in Hong Kong in 2011. We provide professional, structured, and engaging sports programmes to children in international and local schools, kindergartens, sports clubs, and condos.

Our staff are highly qualified and experienced in working with children. With our knowledge and expertise, we aim to give all children the opportunity to live an active and healthy lifestyle. Currently, we operate in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia.

 

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