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ccording to data released last week, just 31 per cent of parents consider mastering a chosen sport as a main motivator for encouraging their child to play in a sports team.
More important were learning soft skills (67 per cent), taking part in physical exercise (60 per cent) and meeting new friends (57 per cent).
The research, commissioned by Milo as part of its ongoing commitment to children’s sport, found that 94 per cent of parents believe that being a member of a sports club can teach children valuable soft skills, led by the ability to work within a team (65 per cent), learning to overcome obstacles (53 per cent), the importance of physical exercise (53 per cent), and learning about commitment and goals (53 per cent).
While the research revealed a strong association with the perceived benefits of sports clubs and their positive connections in the community, 80 per cent of respondents felt that more funding should be available, however.
In a bid to keep fuelling Kiwi kids in sport, Milo has teamed up with New Zealand’s sporting greats Dame Valerie Adams, Scott Barrett and Katrina Rore to announce Milo Pitch Your Club, a competition that offers teams and sports clubs across New
Zealand the opportunity to win a share of $50,000 in cash and sports equipment, plus the opportunity to feature in a Rebel Sports advertisement.
Sports clubs of any size or code, with players of any age, can enter themselves, and family and friends are encouraged to nominate their favourite club. The winners will be chosen by a judging panel including Adams, Barrett and Rore.
Meanwhile, the research also revealed the potential long-term value of sports clubs, 90 per cent of parent respondents saying they believed that skills they learned playing club sport when they were younger were still valuable today. Half still used the teamwork skills and improved social skills they had developed, while 40 per cent believed it had improved their listening skills and helped them become a more gracious winner or loser.
And while additional funding may be required on the field, off the field the research revealed parents as some of the biggest investors in club sport, with their time. Parents valued being a part of a sports team so much that they were spending an average of 145 hours a year, or six days, supporting their child’s sporting ambitions. The average of 2.8 hours a week was spent on everything from driving their children to practice and watching games to skills practice and washing kit.
Parents also admitted to personal benefits they received from their child’s involvement with club sport, 43 per cent saying it had provided an opportunity for them to bond over a mutual interest. Nearly half (45 per cent) had made friends with other parents through their child’s sporting endeavours, and 17 per cent had learned a new skill through volunteering as manager or coach for their child’s team.
Dame Valerie Adams didn’t disagree with any of that.
“Growing up and participating in sport has shaped me into the person I am today,” she said.
“Most people know me as an individual athlete, but I also played on basketball, netball and rugby teams in my younger days. There are so many lifelong skills you learn in sport. It’s taught me how to overcome challenging situations, provided me with amazing opportunities, and most of all lifelong friendships.
“I’m so pleased to be involved and give back to grassroots clubs and support the next generation, so budding athletes of all ages can have the opportunity to participate too.”
Milo spokesman Fraser Shrimpton said regardless of what sport, or what level people were playing at, having the opportunity to be a part of a team, get active, have fun, socialise and learn new skills shouldn’t be taken for granted, and his company wanted to give a helping hand to the people who made that possible.
“Milo Pitch Your Club is calling on Kiwis to let us know what they need for their sports clubs to be in the running to win cash or new equipment. From leaky roofs and new goal posts down to new balls or kit, we want to hear from you.”
To enter, go to milo.co.nz/ milopitch between April 19 and June 10. “Deserving” clubs will be contacted from June 18.