Childhood is a time of exploration, where kids can try new things, discover hidden talents, and develop critical life skills. One of the best ways to foster this growth is by creating opportunities for children to sample different sports and games.
When kids are given opportunities to explore a variety of activities, they can try on various roles, like positions in sports, develop new skills, and, most importantly, discover what sparks their joy.
The value of sports and play in all its forms has been at our core since our early days as Sports4Kids. Although our name has changed, our commitment to helping kids thrive through play and our appreciation for sports remains as strong as ever.
What skills and passions can kids explore through play? Below are just a few of the countless benefits.
The Benefits of Competitive Sports and Sports Sampling
Trying different sports, or sports sampling, is an exciting part of childhood. At Playworks, we believe in giving kids the chance to sample a variety of sports, and allow them to decide what catches their interest, and what doesn’t. Research gathered by the Aspen Institute’s Project Plan suggests that sport sampling helps children develop physically and socially while reducing burnout and injury risks. The skills developed through sports—like motor skills and communication—are valuable not just for a specific sport, but for life.
Sports also offer ways to build confidence. By learning the basic skills and rules, children can feel empowered to participate in games and enjoy the camaraderie that comes with teamwork.
Playworks hosts sports leagues and/or tournaments in some of our partner schools, balancing the need for kids to get the chance to try something new at a developmental level and giving them a chance for kids with a spirit of competition to lean into that nature. Scorekeeping can be a memorable and empowering experience for some kids. Whether it’s scoring a goal in soccer, making a basket in basketball, getting a home run in kickball, or even making a great assist that leads to a point, these moments are often the highlights of a game. It teaches kids about perseverance and teamwork and gives them a personal or team-wide sense of accomplishment. For others, challenging themselves to develop a skill or competing against a goal they set for themselves is what sparks their joy. By helping students develop an interest in a sport, they can develop their skills and get active in a way that works for them. For some kids, this might be the first time they’re participating on a team and for others it is tuning into their competitive spirits.
At most recesses, kids play a mix of games which include sport-based games—some with scores and some without.
Access for All: Making Games Inclusive and Fun
Access to games and play should be available to every child. Unfortunately, some barriers can prevent some kids from getting exposure and access to play opportunities.
While role models like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese inspire girls to get involved in sports, there’s still a significant gap in participation along gender lines. According to the National Library of Medicine, only 59% of girls in urban elementary schools play organized sports compared to 80% of boys. Playworks is committed to closing this gap by creating inclusive spaces where girls feel encouraged to play, build confidence, and develop leadership skills.
It is also important to work closely with schools or program staff to address barriers to play for children with varying ability levels. By modifying games and offering a range of options, we can make sure that all students can find an activity that excites them. Kids get to decide how they want to play, whether it’s sticking to a favorite game or trying something new.
Exploring Interests Through Play
Ultimately, giving children the freedom to sample different sports and games empowers them to explore their interests and take risks in a low stakes environment. Some might gravitate toward the competitive energy of soccer or basketball, while others might enjoy imaginative games like Museum Night Janitor or Ants on a Log. By offering a variety of competitive and cooperative play opportunities, we can allow kids to discover what they love, develop confidence in their abilities, and build friendships along the way.
At Playworks, we’re committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to engage in play, sample different sports, and challenge themselves. When kids have the freedom to explore, the playground becomes not just a place for fun but a space for growth.
So, let’s keep the games going and ensure that every child can play, grow, and thrive!
Looking for new games and sports to introduce at your next recess or playtime?
Check out our Game Library for hundreds of game instructions, including modified versions of favorite sports.
