Mike Roberts from LittleLions Rugby discusses the importance of physical literacy for children in today’s increasingly electronic world.
Let’s start with the textbook definition of ‘Physical Literacy’?
“Physical literacy can be described as the motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge and understanding to value and take responsibility for engagement in physical activities for life,” The International Physical Literacy Association (IPLA)
I’m saddened every time I see a small child’s excitement in engaging with a mobile phone or iPad – my own children included. These portable devices seem to have replaced physical activity and the ability to play outdoors with others and we are increasingly seeing a world where Fortnite, Minecraft and Candy Crush are the new pastimes of choice. As a family we have imposed rules for electronic gaming and both my children are limited to the time they are able to spend glued to screens. As a result, they both play sport and have other interests aside from technology and I am keen to encourage this for as long as possible.
I love sport, all sport, but particularly rugby – it’s been my passion for many years and something I have been able to share with friends and family. My business LittleLions-Rugby is all about passing this love of the game down to the next generation. Using rugby related skills to allow children to participate in physical activity in a group is something I am committed to. In layman’s terms, physical literacy is about the positive relationship between being involved in physical activities and psychosocial development. Through getting your child involved in sport and physical education your son or daughter will be able to access skills that are fundamental to their development – and these skills learned during play, physical education and sport really do contribute to the holistic development of young people.
It’s not about scoring a try or playing an actual game of rugby, for 2 to 7-year olds it’s about understanding team work and respect for themselves and others. Learning to throw, catch and kick a ball can have hugely positive effects – as can the values of honesty, fair play and adherence to rules. There is an overwhelming body of evidence that children’s mental and physical health are benefitted by the effects of sport and physical exercise. I hope that our LittleLions will be encouraged to continue healthy habits and develop a life-long love of sport and this will in some small way combat the inertia of gaming and the virtual world.
Sport-based programmes have been shown to improve the learning performance of children and young people, encouraging school attendance and a desire to succeed academically. However, given all this evidence of the power and benefit physical activity, society is still slow to pick up on this. The public health agenda is constantly looking to introduce programmes to get young children off the sofa and take up activities that will contribute to their current and future health. However, as a nation we do not seem to be bought into this. A recent report published by Sport England shows that only 17.5% of young people are meeting the current Chief Medical Officer’s guidelines of taking part in sport and physical activity for at least 60 minutes every day. Breaking that number down it shows that girls lag behind boys in engaging in sporting activities.
If this is something that concerns you – then one option is to find a club or activity that your children will enjoy and that will promote life-long healthy habits. Having your child attend a sports class teaches them that exercise is fun and something to be enjoyed with their peers and sometimes even with their parents. It not only helps them burn off energy and build muscles, but it is instrumental in the formulation of their key motor skills and the development of their personal and social skills.
At LittleLions-Rugby we work hard on the fundamentals of physical literacy in all the games we play. With the ‘FUN’ of fundamental at the top of our goals. Our sessions are attended by girls and boys who enjoy the fun of moving around and learning how to pass and catch, run with a ball and become increasingly agile whilst working in a team environment. They are encouraged to learn how to take turns, share and work together. Our classes last an hour and are designed for toddlers, pre-schoolers and KS1 children to grow and develop and laugh a lot! You can find us at various locations across North Leeds. For more information visit www.littlelions-rugby.co.uk
*Advertorial blog for LittleLions Rugby
