Grass Roots Sports
Think ‘grass roots sport’ and more often than not, cliché images of joking lads and windswept pitches will spring to mind. But this is a simplistic view: the true value of sport at local club level far extends the boundaries of any chalk line.
and the Bigger Picture
There’s no denying the Olympic legacy: it’s all around us. Medallists have become marketing heroes for numerous high street brands and there’s been a huge increase in people playing sport. Aspiring youths, dreaming of proudly standing on the podium, have the chance to throw themselves into new sports through local grass root clubs. But if local clubs are closing due to lack of funds, so many potential stars won’t get their chance to shine. Securing the future of potential sporting stars is not the only benefit of sport at grass roots level. Being involved from a young age leads to a wealth of skills and lifelong rewards. Skills for Success Young people playing a team sport encounter lots of opportunities to learn and hone
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both leadership and team skills: skills that are undoubtedly key in adult life for success in business and a career. Being introduced to these challenges at an early age, in a fun and social environment, can only be a good thing. It means the skills are second nature when needed under pressure in later life. The competitive nature of sport can also lead to a more developed and mature outlook on life. Learning to embrace competition and to be a good winner or loser is an excellent trait to have, both socially and in professional life. Social skills – meeting and befriending new people – help youngsters develop into likeable and friendly individuals who keep friends for life. To be surrounded by people you relate to, who
can be counted as friends, is something everybody aspires to. Athletes Considered Best Role Model A recent survey* revealed a third of us believe athletes make the best role models. However to many, going to a gym can seem daunting and dull. Rightly or wrongly, it is these negative conceptions that give rise to a sense of apathy and a reason why so many people choose not to exercise at all. Perhaps what is missing is a sense of engagement. Every parent wants their children to grow up happy and healthy, and everybody wants to live long and productive lives. This is where the value of grass roots sports can make a real impact. Being part of a club or playing a sport means that exercise can be
THE PACK Issue 1 Summer 2013