Often when children love a sport, and are good at it, our go-to plan is to give them more of the same sport. But did you know that getting your youngster involved in multiple sports and a variety of physical activities can actually be better for them in the long run?

ESM (East Sports Management) and GEMS Education sports directors across schools, are making sure that coaches and PE staff are aware of the benefits that teaching basic movement skills such as running, jumping, throwing, and catching can have on a child from an early age. This is great news for children playing sports because when these movements are combined
with a focus on coordination and balance during sports and physical activities, it can have a positive impact on a child’s physical and athletic development.

As a parent, you can play your part by getting your child involved in a variety of sports and activities. And observe how they are being coached, because a multi-sport approach has real benefits for kids. This approach can help your child be active for life by:

Building a solid foundation. By providing diverse opportunities for physical activity, children get the chance to learn many movement skills, which can be transferred to a variety of sports. This makes it more likely that they will remain active and take part in different sports and activities through life.

Reaping the physical benefits. Through playing different sports kids develop flexibility, core stability, strength, stamina, power, and speed, as well as improve their all-round physical conditioning.

Preventing injury. When a child sticks with one sport from an early age, the possibility of injury increases as repetitive movements can strain their body and affect the development of muscles. Give your children variety in their sport and play to help build their body and lessen the chance of pains and strains.

Developing sport and life skills. Children will develop important skills like problem-solving, team work, communication, and working independently, which are all highly valued attributes in sports and life. It also helps build competence, confidence, social skills, creativity, character, and empathy.

So if you’re looking to positively impact your child’s development, expand the number of sports and the amount of physical activity that they try when they are young, let them develop the fundamentals of movement first before focusing on them becoming the next football star.