On Universal Children’s Day FIH wants to highlight the important part that sport in general, and hockey in particular, can play in improving the lives of children around the world.
Across the globe, teachers and hockey enthusiasts are working to spread their love and enthusiasm for the game. Whether it is the hard work of Martial Kouadio who, after attending an FIH Targeted Assistance Programme (TAP) training course, has started a hockey project for more than 100 5-17-year old children in the Cote D’Ivoire; the Shahbad Academy in India which introduces young girls to the sport, or the work of the FreFlyerz in England, which works with young disabled hockey players.
All across the world, dedicated people are working, often in difficult circumstances, to introduce children to hockey.
Why is this important?
Hockey offers a healthy, active lifestyle. It is one of the best cardiovascular games you can play.
It involves running, sprinting, changing direction and large amounts of strength, power and flexibility.
For children, this form of exercise is great for developing muscles and bone strength, as well as coordination and balance.
The movements involved in hockey develop gross motor skills, such as the ability to sprint down the pitch, as well as the fine motor skills that come from intricate stick work.
The next important element of hockey is the social impact that playing a team game can have on a child’s development.
Through playing as part of a team, children discover the value of working with others. In addition, friendships made on the hockey pitch can be life-long.
Through being part of a team, the youngsters learn how to communicate with their teammates; they figure out trust and cooperation and they learn responsibility, as they take roles within the team.
The lessons learnt on the hockey field transfer to skills they will need later in life – this includes the ability to win and lose.
Playing as part of a team can also have a huge impact upon the mental health of a child. They develop a sense of positive self-esteem and pride in achievements. These are all important for helping a child develop a balanced outlook on life as well as helping a child learn how to cope with stressful situations.
Finally, hockey can help develop mental agility. It is a fast sport with constantly changing situations. Through playing this type of game a child can learn how to think quickly, make decisions and adapt to changing circumstances.
Being part of a team game will also develop a child’s powers of concentration – mastering a skill or completing an intricate practice calls on high levels of focus.
Hockey is also a sport of strategy. By understanding how one event can lead to, or create another outcome is an awareness that can be carried through into all other areas of life.
By introducing children to hockey from an early age, you are helping them develop and grow as well as providing them with a healthy, social activity with which they can engage throughout their lives.
To find out how you or your children can get involved in hockey, visit your national hockey association. Contact details can be found by clicking here.
Photo: FIH/Frank Uijlenbroek
