Developing Children Through Sports

Sports is one of the essential for growing children. It helps children with their cognitive skills and wellness. With the current restriction of movement during the pandemic, it was observed that children’s outdoor time had reduced drastically.

At the Little Hawks Football Club @littlehawksfc we encourage children to learn and enjoy football, thereby enriching their development and quality of life. Our sessions are energetic, fun and innovative, and are designed based on the needs and development of children’s specific age groups.

Our aim is to work on the child’s physical and mental well-being and his or her ability to forge friendships to enrich their social skills. We have parents approach us that their children are shy, finding it difficult to make friends at school and are looking for other outlets for their children - for us they have come to the right place. It is important for parents to look at different sport activities for children, as it helps them with team spirit and camaraderie.

Pictures courtesy Little Hawks Football Club

Studies have shown that sports help children in learning to control their emotions and channel negative feelings positively. It also helps children to develop patience and understanding as it takes a lot of practice to improve both their physical and mental skills. They can use these transferable skills in their school environment.

Pictures courtesy Little Hawks Football Club

Aside from the mental benefits and social benefits that sports bring to children, there is the physical element which helps to combat other associated worries, such as obesity. Taking part in physical activity helps in maintaining a healthy weight. Sports provide opportunities to engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity, and this helps in preventing conditions and diseases associated with physical inactivity. 

Studies shown by Krushnapriya Sahoo on childhood obesity states that nearly 1/3 of children and adolescents between the ages of 2 and 19 are overweight.

Being obese negatively affects the physical and psychological health of children.

Obesity can increase a child’s risk of developing asthma, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure and high cholesterol

Children that are overweight are more likely to become overweight adults.

Sports participation is a great way for children to be more physically active, improve health, and have fun!

There are a wide variety of sports for children to try throughout school and various club programs. We should encourage our children to find an enjoyable sport that is right for them.

Writer: Keji Graham-Douglas founder of Little Hawk Football Academy, Abuja.

She is passionate about children’s welfare and sports.  @littlehawksfc