Current Health Trends
Currently, Canada experiences the highest rates of child and adolescent obesity in our great history. As well, as the highest ever sedentary (inactivity) rates amongst children and youth. It is no surprise these findings are closely correlated to the excessive amount of time our children spend enjoying their technological devices (phones, tablets, etc…) or the amount of time they spend in-front of a television or computer screen. The record-breaking inactivity and obesity rates predict many medical problems for the future of our children, such as diabetes, cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses.
The Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) recommends a minimum of 60 mins per day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) for children and adolescents ages 5-17. CSEP recommends a minimum of 3 days per week of vigorous activity. And a minimum of 3 days per week of activities which strengthen the muscles. These values are recommended in order to prevent future chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cardiovascular or respiratory diseases.
Engaging in recreational soccer for children is an easy, and an inexpensive way to raise the quality of life of our children. Our house-league program is administered by paid soccer coaches and fitness professionals. The program is focused on teaching, and improving existing, technical and tactical sport-specific skills and techniques (such as: controlling the ball, passing, crossing, shooting, positioning, awareness of space, and goal-keeper specific skills). In addition, the program is aimed at improving the mental aspects of athletics and every-day life (such as: team-work, motivation, determination, composure, and creativity).
Finally, above-and-beyond all the mentioned goals, the program is focused on improving the physical fitness of the participants. The focus will be on improving respiratory fitness (stamina), agility, strength, and speed. We do not promise your child will be the next soccer superstar, or will have 6-pack abs by the end of the season, but what we promise is a fun, semi-competitive environment where your child will learn, and improve, the basic skills of playing soccer, as well as get at-least the recommended amount of physical activity each week, and improving the mental aspect of their personal wellbeing.
Unlike most of our competitors in Ontario, our program focuses on ensuring the participants meet the CSEP guidelines for training for health. The participants will have the opportunity to complete 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day (as per CSEP guidelines).
Our program is designed in a manner as to deliver 60-90 minutes of physical activity (through training sessions & a weekly game) on-site. We provide, and follow-up with, exercise homework specifically designed to ensure your child gets the physical activity he/she needs for optimal growth, and for health maintenance.
- Since 1970 prevalence amongst children & adolescents of the following conditions has been on the rise:
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Poor emotional health
- Decreased social wellbeing
In 2009, 6-19-year-old Canadians:
- Spent 8.5 hours/day (62% of waking hours) engaging in sedentary activity (being inactive)
- ONLY 7% of them (9%Boys, 4% Girls) accumulated 60mins/day Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity for 6+ days per week.
- Only 53% of Boys and 35% of Girls accumulated 60mins/day Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity for 3+ days per week.
- Less than 2% of the total cohort accumulated 90mins/day MVPA for 6+ days.
Overweight and Obesity rates in 2011:
5-11 year olds:
- Boys: 39.3% are overweight or obese.
- Girls: 25.9% are overweight or obese.
- Total: 32.8%
12-17 year olds:
- Boys: 29.6% are overweight or obese.
- Girls: 30.5% are overweight or obese.
- Total: 30.1%
5-17 year olds:
- Total: 31.5% of 5-17-year-old boys and girls were overweight or obese in 2011!
Overweight, Obesity, and Screen time are indicators that your child is not being physically active enough. The lack of physical activity is HIGHLY correlated with chronic illnesses and diseases.
Sign up your child today for the Sporting Canada Soccer Academy House-League program to improve the health and the quality of life of your child.