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Montreal, Canada – A recent study led by Linda Pagani, a psycho-education professor at Université de Montréal, reveals compelling evidence that involvement in sports during childhood can positively impact academic success later in life. The research, published this month in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, suggests that early engagement in sports not only benefits physical health but also contributes to improved academic performance through to college and beyond.
The study examined data from the Quebec Longitudinal Study of Child Development, which tracked 746 girls and 721 boys born in 1997 and 1998. Researchers focused on the effects of sports participation from ages 6 to 10 and its correlation with academic success up to age 17.
Findings indicate a significant link between regular sports participation and enhanced academic outcomes. Children who engaged in sports during their primary school years showed better grades, a lower dropout rate, and higher aspirations for continued education compared to their peers with minimal or no sports involvement.
“We found that participation in sports from kindergarten to Grade 4 had a lasting positive effect on academic achievement that extended through high school,” said Pagani. “Children who were actively involved in sports demonstrated improved self-image and social skills, which translated into better engagement and performance in school.”
The study highlights that middle childhood is a critical period for development, and sports involvement during this time can foster essential life skills. According to Pagani, these skills include teamwork, responsibility, and relationship-building, all of which contribute to a more positive academic experience.
“The evidence from this study underscores the importance of organized sports in a child’s development,” Pagani added. “Parents and communities investing in youth sports are not only supporting physical health but also contributing to their children’s long-term academic success.”
For more details, refer to the study: Linda S. Pagani et al, Middle Childhood Sport Participation Predicts Timely Long-Term Chances of Academic Success in Boys and Girls by Late Adolescence, Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise (2024). DOI: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000003511
Journal Information: Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise
