by Dennis Smith, Sports coach and mentor to young athletes
Helping to build confidence, character and a love of learning
For parents of children aged eight to 11, sport often becomes an important and exciting part of family life. Whether it is football, swimming, tennis or athletics, these early years are not about producing elite performers – they are about building strong foundations for life.
At this age, children are developing not just physically, but emotionally and mentally. Sport, when approached in the right way, can play a powerful role in shaping confidence, resilience and positive attitudes towards both school and life.
More than just winning
It is natural for children to enjoy winning and competition can be healthy. However, the real value of sport at this age lies in what children learn along the way.
Through regular participation, children begin to develop:
• Confidence from trying new skills.
• Resilience when things don’t go their way.
• Social skills through teamwork and communication.
• Emotional control in both success and disappointment.
Research shows that sport supports not only physical health but also mental wellbeing, helping to reduce stress and build self-esteem in young people. For young children, these benefits are far more important than results or rankings.
The parent’s role: Quietly powerful
Parents play a crucial role during these formative years.
Children often look to their parents first after a game or training session. A simple comment can shape how they feel about their performance – and themselves.
The most effective approach is surprisingly simple:
• Focus on effort, not outcome.
• Encourage enjoyment, not pressure.
• Ask supportive questions like: “Did you enjoy it?” or “What did you learn today?”
Studies show that children value parental support, but the manner of involvement matters greatly. Positive encouragement helps children enjoy sport more, while too much pressure can reduce confidence and enjoyment.
Balancing sport and school work
One common concern for parents is whether sport takes time away from academic school work.
In reality, the opposite is often true. Sport helps children develop habits that transfer directly into school life:
• Concentration
• Discipline
• Time management
• Goal setting
There is growing evidence that children involved in sport often perform better academically and develop stronger cognitive skills. The key is balance – ensuring that sport supports, rather than competes with, schoolwork.
Building confidence that lasts
Between the ages of eight and 11, children begin to form their sense of identity. Sport can play a major role in shaping how they see themselves.
A child who feels:
• Supported
• Encouraged
• Free to make mistakes
…is far more likely to develop lasting confidence.
Importantly, sport should remain a positive experience. Research highlights that children are more likely to continue in sport – and gain long-term benefits – when they feel enjoyment, belonging and support from both coaches and parents.
Avoiding common pitfalls
Modern youth sport can sometimes become overly focused on performance, selection and competition.
For younger children, this can lead to:
• Anxiety
• Loss of enjoyment
• Early dropout
The most successful long-term approach is to keep sport:
• Fun
• Varied
• Development-focused
Children at this age do not need early specialisation – they benefit from trying different activities and developing a wide range of skills.
A simple guiding principle
If there is one principle parents can follow, it is this: At this age sport should build the child – not test the child.
When children feel supported, enjoy what they are doing and are allowed to grow at their own pace, they develop not only as young athletes but as confident, balanced individuals.
The habits, attitudes and confidence built during these years often stay with children for life.
As parents, the goal is not to raise the next professional athlete – it is to help children develop:
• A love of activity
• Strong character
• A positive mindset towards challenges
Get that right, and both sport and school work will benefit.
Dennis Smith is a former Head of Physical Education and sports coach who has worked with young athletes for many years. He now provides guidance for parents supporting children in sport. For further information please email: scholarlyachievement@gmail.com
