Teenagers are the least likely age group in Australia to meet their daily physical activity requirements, with many falling short of the recommended 60 minutes of moderate activity per day, according to the Australian Sports Commission. The most significant drop in participation occurs as students transition from Primary to Secondary School where they often go one of two ways; either far exceeding their requirements or falling far below them.
While we often hear about the physical and mental benefits of staying active as adults, physical activity during teenage years provides additional, lasting advantages. One example is the development of bone density, which peaks in your 20s.
For many teens, team sports remains one of the most popular and enjoyable ways to stay active. Adam Dwyer, Head of Health and Physical Education at our Carramar campus highlights the broader impact of team sports:
“Playing team sports is more than just about improving fitness and motor skills, it develops communication and leadership skills as well as boosting confidence and teaching resilience to the members of the team”.
Matt Richmond, Head of Health and Physical Education from our Duncraig campus agrees,
“Engaging in team sports provides students with essential life skills, helping them grow into well-rounded individuals who are physically active, socially engaged, and emotionally resilient”.
The Australian Sports Commission identifies key reasons why participation in sport declines during secondary school, including increased academic pressure and busier schedules. However, both Matt and Adam have seen first-hand the positive impact that team sports has on student wellbeing. Adam explains that exercise helps to relieve stress by boosting endorphins, while Matt points out that the focus, discipline and time management skills developed through team sports can actually support better academic performance.
Just as importantly, team sports can provide a sense of fun and friendship during what can be some of the more demanding years of school. Year 12 student Max, an avid footy, cricket, basketball and soccer player, first got involved in team sports in Primary School to have fun with his friends. Over time, his love for the games grew alongside a healthy sense of competition and now he plays for the enjoyment of “being part of a team and winning”.
Max also reflected on the life lessons team sports has taught him:
“It’s taught me how to take a loss and helped me find positives in a situation, like how we could improve next time” he says.
Team sports also creates a strong sense of connection. Through inter-house carnivals at school and inter-school competitions through ACC, CAS (Duncraig) and SSWA (Carramar) students not only represent their school but also build lasting friendships and strengthen their sense of house and school spirit.
The benefits don’t end when school does, with the lessons students learn on the field carry over into adulthood, shaping how they work with others and approach challenges throughout life.
“Teamwork, cooperation, sportsmanship and respect are all developed through team sports” says Matt. “Just as importantly, students build emotional resilience by learning how to handle both wins and losses.”
Year 12 student Heidi, who has played netball, touch rugby, soccer, basketball and cricket, was inspired to get involved in team sport after seeing how much her mum enjoyed playing in a netball team. She echoed Matt’s thoughts on the lasting impact of sport:
“Working together towards a common goal teaches valuable skills such as communication, collaboration, resilience, leadership and responsibility. It helps you understand that success is not just about individual effort but about supporting and relying on each other.”
From fitness and mental health to friendships and future success, team sports offer secondary students so much more than just a game.