Wednesday 6 June 2007

Extra sport can improve behaviour


A few weeks ago I reported that Lack of Sport is Breeding Yobs. Today the Mail reports that Extra sport sessions can improve behaviour.
Disruptive and struggling pupils can improve their behaviour and results by taking extra sports classes, a study revealed yesterday. Teenagers who did the lunchtime and after-hours activities became calmer at school and showed teachers more respect. More than 11,000 youngsters took part in a three-year programme of sports including football, cricket, rock- climbing, kayaking, boxing, martial arts, archery and skiing. They were picked by their teachers because they struggled with school work or behaved badly.
Most were less disruptive after a year on the programme, according to a review of the scheme by the Institute of Youth Sport at Loughborough University. Youngsters were also keener to work and less likely to turn up late or not at all.
The charity behind the project, the Youth Sport Trust, said it helped to teach children the importance of discipline while building their resilience, team-working and leadership skills.

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