Building Friendships through play: How sports help children develop social skills
- Jonathan Low
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Friendships are among the most rewarding parts of life, especially in childhood. Having a friend to laugh and play with or share a snack with can make all the difference. Although friendships may seem natural among kids, they do not always come easily.
In our fast-paced and screen-heavy world, many children are growing up as true digital natives. As a result, they may face challenges with face-to-face social interactions. Some may struggle with shyness, while some may have trouble picking up on social cues, leading them to feel left out in group settings. These struggles that kids face may impact their confidence, school experiences, and emotional well-being. In some cases, these struggles may plague them well into adulthood.
Social skills are more than just being polite. They are the foundation of healthy relationships. Skills like listening, sharing, cooperating and conflict management are critical tools for building friendship.
Children who struggle with these abilities may find it difficult to join group games, express themselves clearly or manage conflicts that arise with peers. On the flip side, children who build strong social foundations early on are more likely to be confident communicators, empathetic listeners and great team players.
The Role of Sports in Social Development
At Infiniti Kids, we believe that the impact sports has goes deeper than just the physical. They’re about growing the hearts and minds.
When children participate in sports with other kids, they are put in situations that help them practice important social behaviours. They learn to take turns, they learn sportsmanship, and they how to encourage others.
When children are exposed to a variety of sports, they learn how to adapt to different gameplays.
Here are some benefits that we believe playing sports has on children:
They can adapt to new situations better
Every sport uses different skills and techniques, and when they attempt to play different games with equally different rules, they learn to switch between them. This helps them learn how to be flexible and adapt to new situations and environments
They learn communication skills
Whether they are attempting something simple like passing a ball or doing drills and activities together, they learn to express themselves and listen to others
They learn how to handle their emotions
Winning and losing are part of every game. Sports teach children how to celebrate success graciously and cope with disappointment healthily.
They learn inclusivity and teamwork
Sports classes bring together children with different abilities and interests. This creates opportunities for them to make friends outside of their usual circles and teaches them to work with different personalities.
Helping Children Navigate Friendship Challenges
While sports can offer an excellent platform for kids to learn how to make friends, it is important to acknowledge that friendship can still be a struggle for many kids.
These include:
Difficulty joining group games
Misunderstanding social cues
Experiencing peer rejection or exclusion
Managing conflict or teasing
Our coaches are trained to not just teach sports, but in how to create a positive and inclusive environment where children feel safe to be themselves, make mistakes and learn. We emphasise teamwork, respect and encouragement, values that extend past our classes and into their everyday life.
A Place to Belong
Every child deserves to feel connected. Through play, structure and encouragement, sports can be a space for children to practice social skills in a natural, supportive way.
At Infiniti Kids, we are determined to make our classes a safe space, one that allows the kids to let loose and try new things! Our classes are fun and engaging, with age-appropriate activities that cultivate character. Join us today and give your child the opportunity to learn and grow in a safe space. Sign up for a trial class today!
Read our other blog articles here.
Further Reading:
Developing life skills through sports by Health Direct
5 Ways Participating in Sports Helps Children’s Social Skills Development by PAK Pediatrics
The Benefits of Youth Sports in Child Development by The University of San Diego
How to help kids navigate friendships and peer relationships by American Psychological Association
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