Industry News
Sport 'has a calming influence on pupils'
Posted on 6th June 2007
Sport can improve pupils' behaviour and academic results, according to the findings of a new study.
Loughborough University's Institute of Youth Sport examined pupils' behaviour as part of a three-year scheme whereby students aged between 11 and 16 took part in extra sports classes.
The researchers observed several benefits, ranging from improved attendance levels to improved organisational and leadership abilities, as well as an extra desire to work hard.
Jenny Rouse, senior development officer at the Youth Sport Trust, was quoted by the Daily Mail as saying: "The sorts of skills they got from this were leadership and a sense of responsibility.
"They learn they need to overcome barriers and have mental toughness. These skills are easy to see in a sports scenario," she added.
In particular, martial arts and boxing activities proved "quite successful" because they demonstrated "how discipline has its place", concluded Ms Rouse.
The Youth Sport Trust is a registered charity that was founded in 1994.