KIDS’ SPORT SMART CHOICE

NEW research from the University of Sydney shows a positive link between participation in sport and academic performance, with the strongest association when sport is held during school hours.

“Previous research suggests kids’ involvement in sport could have benefits above and beyond general physical activity because of the complex skills involved, however no one has combined the evidence on sport and academic performance before,” lead author Dr Katherine Owen said.

The research team from the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre reviewed, combined and analysed the results of 115 studies conducted worldwide (majority in the United States), with a total of more than one million students aged between about nine and 18 years old.