Shocking! A third of Aussie kids planning to drop out of sport
“It’s essential we support children to stay in sport so they can reach their full potential”
New research reveals that a third of Australian children are planning to drop out of sport. So, while we get excited for Paris Olympics 2024, it’s so important to keep our kids engaged and involved in sport.
Dr Emma Steer, Clinical Psychologist with more than 16 years of experience working with children of all sporting abilities explains, “a quarter of young Australians have made the decision to stop playing sport by age 15 and alarmingly, children with a disability are likely to stop playing earlier, by the age of 11.
The barriers for kids playing sport
“The two main barriers to participation is the time commitment, along with cost of living which includes rising membership costs and travel expenses. Competitiveness and accessibility for all kid are also barriers to participation.”
The benefits of kids’ sports
Dr Steer says, “As a clinical psychologist, who works with children, I see the undeniable benefits of sport when it comes to children’s developmental pillars. While there are the obvious benefits for their physical development in terms of health and fitness, it is also so important for their cognitive, social and emotional development too. Sport equips children with essential life skills like problem solving and decision making. It also helps them to build social competencies in a positive, collaborative environment especially when they’re involved in team sports.
Children also learn how to process disappointment and learn resilience so in this sense, sport is incredibly valuable for emotional development too. It also helps enormously with self-belief and confidence.”
How to keep kids in sport
The research from Allianz found that cheering on children is one of the main motivations for keeping children in sport. Dr Steer agrees that, “Ensuring children know they have a strong support network around them can be a huge motivation for them to stay in sport. Seeing their parents and guardians cheer them on, showing pride in their participation and giving words of affirmation are some of the ways Aussie kids can feel supported”.
With Paris Olympics 2024 just around the corner, it’s important young athletes of all abilities feel the support of the nation behind them.
Visit Allianz’s Grassroots Champions page for more information.
