Why you should participate in sport as a family 

Sport participation has always been linked to boosted mental and physical wellbeing. But, interestingly, the responsibility of keeping kids active has fallen even harder on family shoulders in recent years. In 2025, leaders across the sports sector have written to Keir Starmer to express concerns over poor budgeting. Clubs and facilities across the country, they say, are at risk of closure. Parents? It might be time to take the wheel (or hockey stick).

It doesn’t matter whether it’s a weekly kickabout at the park, joining a local fitness class, or attending live matches and seeing players like Mo Salah for inspiration. The sporting world is overflowing with rewards. This article will explore the main benefits of family sport involvement, from enhanced mental health to soaring confidence.

Encouraging healthy habits in children

Start them young. The habits that parents instil in children don’t just disappear at 18 years old — these patterns and behaviours follow them throughout adulthood. You’re not just creating temporary habits but laying the foundations for your child’s later life. Keep them healthy, and encourage movement from the get-go.

Strengthening family bonds through shared goals

Shared goals establish a secure sense of connection for children. However, it also helps strengthen the wider family’s bonds. It could be watching a football game at a sold-out stadium or a quick round of cricket in the garden. These moments enhance communication and teamwork skills. Furthermore, these shared achievements become cherished memories.

Improving mental wellbeing for all ages

Dedicate a few minutes to understanding the link between physical activity and mental health. The connection between sports and mental wellbeing is commonly thrown around as a “fact.” Yet, it helps to understand it at a deeper level. A few minutes of movement can reduce stress, improve mood, and manage symptoms of anxiety and depression. Why not invest in family wellbeing?

Building confidence and social skills

Believing in yourself is a skill that not everyone has. It’s a sad reality, impacting children and adults alike. Playing sports as a family is one method of developing confidence and social skills. It builds soft skills, including resilience, cooperation, and self-belief. That 20 minutes of kicking a ball could enhance your child’s (and your) potential far more than you realise.

Sport participation is one of the most important opportunities for individual development. But when embraced as a family? Those benefits multiply. Why wait? Grab a ball and some trainers.