Many may look at sport as just a fun activity to take part in however new research, published in the International Journal of Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity, has found that youth sport participation is significantly associated with fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression proving it’s more than a competition.
Researchers say there is an overall increase in the wellbeing of these young people and a small-to-medium reduction in ‘mental ill-being’. Experts say the findings arrive at a critical time. In the UK alone, record numbers of young people are seeking mental health support.
Sports psychologist Joseph Robinson says ‘’ The benefits aren’t only physical, they are also social. When we play sport, it triggers chemical changes in our brain that help regulate stress and improve our moods.’’
For many in the UK mental health is a massive priority, sport can create a sense of belonging at an age where many teenagers and even adults feel under pressure or disconnected. Being part of a team and having something to look forward to can clear the head and provide emotional support. Many schools and community groups are turning to physical activity as part of their approach to supporting students.
Sports coach Joe Pallett, who has worked in schools and sports clubs across Hertfordshire and Lincolnshire, said ‘’ coaching within sports clubs specifically allowed me to coach a variety of kids which included a lot of SEN students’’ Joe Pallett also added ‘’ When working with Premier Education it was positive to see an all-inclusive environment in which every child went home smiling.’’
Many sports camps like Premier Education are set up all over the UK, to get children of all ages into sport. It means kids can get an early taste of a variety of sports from a young age which will ultimately help with their progression into their later years and their wellbeing.
Unfortunately, barriers still do exist, and the report also raises concerns about unequal access to sport. Rising costs and lack of facilities can all discourage participation. Joe Pallett commented on this, he said ‘’ Reducing these barriers one way or another is essential if sport is to play a meaningful role in improving mental health.’’
Despite the barriers, for young people across the country the benefits of sport go far beyond fitness, it offers routine and a sense of belonging which many teenagers in the UK don’t have. With the pressure on mental health services continuing to rise, sport is an easy but effective alternative to help young people feel supported. Expanding after-school clubs, investing in more facilities could open the door for thousands of young people to experience the mental health benefits. With the right investment these community groups will be able to provide more opportunities for every child to take part. This could allow sport to become one of the most powerful tools in the UK for tackling the youth mental health crisis and ultimately be used to take the pressure off the NHS.
