In Corpus Christi we are very fortunate to have a highly organised soccer league, which children play at both lunchtimes in the school day.
The playground soccer is overseen and refereed by one of our teachers. The children really love the playground soccer and the benefits are extremely visible throughout our school. The social and emotional health of Corpus Christi pupils is undoubtedly positive because of playground soccer.
For our children playing sports is fun. it gives them something to do and a group to belong to. They have a group of friends that have the same goals and interests. Research shows that kids who play sports, especially girls, are more likely to have a positive body image and higher self-esteem. They are less likely to be overweight. Physical activities are a good way to relieve stress and reduce depression. Sports help our pupils develop discipline. This is then brought into the classroom. They learn to set goals and then work to achieve these goals. They learn that by working hard they can accomplish the things that they want in their lives. Our pupils who play sports quickly learn that sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. They learn to be a good sport in both situations. It also helps them learn to deal with disappointment and go on. Sports help develop teamwork and leadership skills. Kids quickly learn that they have to work together as a team to win the game.
“Research shows that kids who play sports... are more likely to have a positive body image and higher self-esteem.”