Engaging extracurricular activities for children, from sports and arts to hobbies and creative pursuits, designed to build confidence, skills, teamwork and creativity.
A large US study suggests that children meeting all aspects of the 24-hour movement guidelines, physical activity, screen time, and sleep, are more likely to excel academically, even among those with ADHD or learning disabilities, highlighting the importance of comprehensive…
Medical professionals advise gradual re-entry, hydration, and proper training to prevent common injuries as athletes return to school sports amid rising concerns over heat-related illness and muscle injuries. As schools reopen and autumn sports begin, Dr Maduka C. Nnadozie says…
A new Australian Sports Commission study highlights how the true costs of participating in community sport, beyond registration fees, are pushing families to the brink, threatening the future of youth engagement in organised sports. A new Australian Sports Commission study…
A University of Leeds study reveals that women’s perceptions of strength training are deeply intertwined with identity, femininity, and social context, challenging traditional public health narratives and emphasising the need for more inclusive exercise environments. Strength training is increasingly promoted…
Parents should be alert to subtle changes in active children, as signs like fatigue and movement difficulties could indicate Lyme disease or other serious health issues requiring prompt attention, experts warn. A child who has quietly stopped joining in may…
Barnsley Youth Choir’s international success highlights the vital role of comprehensive arts programmes in schools, demonstrating how sustained music education cultivates talent, confidence, and community engagement among children. Christa Ackroyd’s defence of music in schools lands with added force because…
Kyoto City’s plan to replace traditional school-based clubs with community-run ‘Kyoclubs’ by August 2028 raises questions about affordability and social equity, as families express worries over increased costs and logistical challenges. Kyoto City’s plan to end school club activities in…
Pablo Kratina, a veteran football scout with over 30 years of experience, advocates for prioritising learning and enjoyment in youth development over the relentless chase for young talent amid increasing pressures on children to succeed early. Pablo Kratina has spent…
Emerging research emphasises the importance of psychological support in sports injury recovery, especially for young athletes and teenage girls, to foster resilience and a safer return to play amidst unseen emotional challenges. Injury recovery in sport is usually framed as…
Experts advocate for a tailored approach to youth weightlifting, emphasising technique and athletic fundamentals over maximal load, with new frameworks proposing age-specific strategies to foster safe and effective development in young athletes. Youth weightlifting should be treated as a discipline…
A rising trend known as hobby-maxxing is transforming leisure into a dynamic, community-driven pursuit that boosts well-being and challenges traditional notions of productivity, with social media amplifying its reach. The latest version of hobby culture is less about commitment and…
A new survey reveals that 92% of parents now report STEM learning in afterschool programmes, signalling a significant rise, yet access remains uneven across communities, raising concerns about future funding and equitable opportunities for children. Afterschool programmes are increasingly becoming…
