Beyond the Lunch Break: Inside the Impactful World of Network Primary's Lunchtime Leagues
Starting from this academic year 2023/24, our Primary School at Network launched its first ever Lunchtime Leagues, giving our students a fantastic opportunity to enhance their extra-curricular participation in sports and physical activity.
Our league runs during lunchtimes throughout the term, with separate competitions for U11 (Upper Key Stage 2) and U9 (Lower Key Stage 2) students, and both boys and girls. House teams are selected by the PE department based on merit, ensuring an inclusive approach that still allows for non-participating students to actively support and encourage their teammates.
Engagement in the league, whether as a player, official, or spectator, provides our students with a valuable avenue for cultivating and refining their personal character and transferable skills. This participation not only contributes to their personal growth but also equips students with essential attributes needed to be successful both academically and competitively in the 21st century. Numerous advantages await students who actively participate in leagues, of which some of the more noteworthy are highlighted below:
Character Building
The challenges and triumphs experienced in sports contribute significantly to character development. Young athletes learn essential life skills, including determination, teamwork, and respect determination required to overcome difficulties, teamwork essential for success on the field, and respect of opponents during competition are invaluable lessons that extend far beyond the sports arena.
Players Hans, Nicolette, Thoon Thoon, William, and Jordan shared "The Leagues are really fun to compete against other houses and play with your own team. We feel so emotional when playing, but mainly really excited and nervous about the result and playing against a tough opposition. With the Lunchtime Leagues, we get to learn more about our teammates and different sports. We also get to develop different skills for football and basketball while trying to win trophies for our house."
Social Skills and Teamwork
Participation in team sports fosters social skills and a sense of teamwork. Learning to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and collaborate with teammates are skills that prove essential in various aspects of life. The camaraderie formed on the field translates into lasting friendships and a sense of belonging, enhancing the overall social wellbeing of our students.
Emotional Wellbeing
Sports provide an outlet for stress and a platform for emotional expression. The highs and lows of competition teach young individuals to manage their emotions, cope with disappointment, and celebrate victories graciously. The sense of accomplishment derived from overcoming challenges on the field contributes to increased self-esteem and emotional resilience.
"We get to cheer on our teams and show our house colours with our house flags. The matches are very intense to watch, and I have learnt so many new skills from watching the players taking part. It’s like watching a sport on television, so exciting!" - shared Spectators Chilli, Rui Rui, Jaeden, Jake, and Kyogo.
Lifelong Habits
Engaging in sports during youth lays the foundation for a lifelong commitment to physical activity. The habits formed through sports participation can contribute to a healthier lifestyle, reducing the risk of chronic diseases in adulthood. By instilling a love for movement and exercise early on, we empower our students to carry these habits into their adult lives, promoting long-term wellbeing.
A Sense of Belonging
For students not selected for their house teams, the Lunchtime Leagues offer opportunities to participate as an official, either by scoring or timing the matches or as a spectator. Watching sports is more than just entertainment, it offers a host of benefits. Firstly, it fosters a sense of community and shared identity, as students come together to support their house, classmates and friends with amazing encouragement and a bright display of house flags.
Officials Sandi, and Shin Shin shared "I like keeping time for the lunchtime leagues as I like doing the ten second countdown before the end of the match to build the tension and get the fans excited. When we get to keep the scores we are able to support all the teams evenly - it’s a very important job."
Reflecting on the success and positive impact of the Lunchtime Leagues as Head of Primary PE and league organiser, Tr Joe Gill shared "Witnessing students enjoying and thriving in the Lunchtime Leagues is a delight to see. Seeing teamwork flourish on the field, witnessing individual progress, hearing the support from spectators, and observing increased self-esteem and confidence make me incredibly proud of our students and the provision of competitive sport at Network International School."
Tr Joe Gill
Head of Primary PE
Network International School
- Primary School
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