Balancing School and Sports

The number of exams throughout the school year, the ‘higher level’ programs for kids to enroll in, and the never ending mountain of homework is putting kids under more pressure than ever before.

The majority of children are enrolled in to and participate in multiple programs, creating a scheduling nightmare, and a conflict of what to put the most effort into. Sadly the ‘Fear of Missing Out’, has lead to organizations and programs expecting greater commitment to their cause, and children are now finding it harder than ever before to balance everything.

When you have youths put all their focus in to one discipline they will burn out, suffer with stress, and will find themselves not developing holistically as a well rounded individual. Participation in sport helps youths as a stress relief (if in the correct program and with good support around them), as sports should be fun no matter what the long term goal is. Sports will also help with much needed life skills, and having these skills practiced in real time through sports. Leadership, integrity, resilience, and communication are all vital to getting ahead in life, and are all key parts of playing sports.

When school work increases, it’s important for players to manage their time and find balance, being able to work to schedules and timelines, being efficient in how they spend their time, and finding a way to relieve stress. The following graphic should help with the busy exam time while playing sports.

We understand there is a huge strain being placed on kids. Not only will school work add pressure to the child, but the number of classes being attended outside of school is leaving kids with too much scheduled activity, and nowhere near enough time for much needed play.

When schedules become too crowded contact your coach and explain, they will be very understanding and will do their best to support the player with trying to balance their commitments and find a way to be able to continue to participate in soccer. Our open training policy will help the player with flexibility to their practice schedule, and our club environment is there to make sure players are in the best possible program to allow them flexibility and freedom.