Colman Noctor: Vital for children to explore movement and skill development without pressure

Irish Examiner

6 days ago

Most people will know that last week, Irish rugby international Hugo Keenan became a national hero by scoring the winning try to clinch the series for the British and Irish Lions. What many aren't aware of is that as a child, Keenan was unable to secure a spot on the Under-14 C rugby team for Blackrock College. His journey highlights the importance of perseverance, belief, and growth... while also serving as a warning against dismissing young athletes too soon.
Children's sport can be one of the most formative parts of growing up. For some, it fosters lifelong confidence and happiness. For others, it becomes a source of stress or exclusion.
So it's worth examining where we're getting things right and where we may be falling short.
Few things bring parents more joy than observing their children having fun while engaging in physical activity, whether it's on a football pitch, diving into a pool, or performing a gymnastics routine. Parents are pleased when a child enjoys a sport because it offers them more than just physical benefits —it fosters teamwork, character, and social skills. However, as youth culture becomes increasingly performance-driven, the focus on movement and enjoyment often diminishes, and competition and winning can become the focus. In some cases, children can quickly find themselves assessed, ranked, and excluded before they've even had a chance to develop.
At this time of year, summer sports camps like the GAA Cúl Camps are notable for their focus on fun and participation, without league tables or pressure to perform. Many children prefer these over the regular season, which often involves competitive stress. A key advantage of these camps is the involvement of teenage or young adult coaches. These 'cool' role models often connect better with kids than parent-coaches; and offer a positive, aspirational presence.
This model could be applied beyond sport. Imagine youth clubs run by older teenagers, providing mentorship to younger children while giving the older ones a sense of responsibility and purpose in return. This could also help alleviate the boredom and isolation many 14-16-year-olds face during summer breaks.
We should also think more broadly about movement, beyond just sport. While childhood obesity and sedentary behaviours are increasing, children still have limited opportunities for movement outside structured sports. A University of Bristol study showed that teen obesity rose from 22% in 2008–2010 to 33% in 2021–2023, with screen time and ultra-processed foods being key factors. This becomes a bigger problem if your child does not like organised sports.
Adults have many ways to stay active, such as gyms, spinning classes, and hiking groups, but similar non-competitive activities are not widely available to most children. When competitive sports are the only option for movement, many kids miss out.
Jacob Gosnell, Aodhán Gallagher and Aidan Byrne take a break from play at the Kellogg's Cúl Camp at St Micheal's Gaelic Football Club, Mahon, Cork. One hundred and twenty children are attending the five-day gaelic football camp this week. Picture Larry Cummins
We need to accept that traditional sports settings don't work for every child. Early streaming into competitive teams creates pressure, often leading children to conclude that sport isn't for them. Worse still, some coaches write them off too soon. Children are sometimes placed on 'elite' tracks based on their perceived potential at the ages of 12 or 13. But there needs to be a realisation that children develop at different rates physically, emotionally, and cognitively. The child who struggles with coordination at seven might shine at 12 — but only if given the opportunity.
Development in childhood is far from straightforward. Labelling children as 'not good enough' discourages participation, reduces confidence, and causes early dropout. The pressure to perform often kills the natural joy of movement, and once that's gone, it's difficult to regain.
Hugo Keenan's story illustrates this well. Initially ignored in school sports, he developed into a world-class player, and his success serves as a reminder not to judge potential too soon. How many future stars have we missed by making early assumptions?
We should view sport as a long-term journey, not just a race to the top. It's about who remains engaged and enjoys it at 18, not who's best at eight.
Parents and coaches have a significant influence on children's attitudes towards sport. Our messages carry strong weight. If we focus only on winning and awards, we risk causing anxiety and reducing enjoyment. However, when we emphasise effort, teamwork, and perseverance, we build confidence and cultivate a love for movement and activity.
Children should understand that their worth isn't determined by their performance. It's fine to have a poor game, try something new, or enjoy an activity without needing to be 'the best' at it. Ambition is important, but goals should focus on the process rather than the outcome. Instead of asking 'Did you win and did you score?', try saying 'I admire how you didn't give up when things got tough' or simply 'Did you enjoy it?'.
As parents, we should avoid trying to achieve our sporting ambitions vicariously through our children. It's natural to worry that our children are falling behind, especially in an era of competitive clubs and early specialisation.
However, more isn't always better. Burnout is real. Research indicates that young athletes tend to thrive when they participate in various sports, engage in informal play, and take regular breaks.
Findings from a study by German sports scientist Arne Güllich and colleagues in 2023 revealed that while athletes who peak early may accrue more specific training early on, most world-class adult athletes tend to diversify more in youth, specialising later and benefiting from broader skill development and better long-term performance.
What's the rush?
Children have years to develop skills, strength, and strategy. What they need most now is space to explore movement and skill development without pressure.
Significantly, we need to expand our definition of physical activity. Not every child wants to participate in team sports, and that is perfectly fine. Too often, we equate 'active' with 'sporty'. However, movement can also include activities such as dancing, hiking, skateboarding, tree climbing, yoga, and cycling, which are often more inclusive and less intimidating. These non-competitive forms of movement can encourage creativity, confidence, and self-expression and also provide a welcome relief from the comparison and pressure found in organised sport.
Children who move with agility and confidence are often those who've played freely in varied environments. Climbing in a playground builds coordination and strength. Balancing on a log develops core stability. Dancing at home fosters rhythm and emotional release. These activities are foundational, not secondary.
As parents, we can nurture a positive attitude towards movement in our children. Begin by supporting their interests without projecting your own past ambitions or concerns onto them. Allow children to explore multiple activities and celebrate their progress and effort. Promote curiosity, perseverance, and avoid rushing to judge their abilities too early.
Children don't need to be the best, and we shouldn't make them feel like they have to be. They need to feel capable, included, and supported so they can enjoy movement and sport in spaces where they feel that they belong.
By enabling children to develop at their own pace, experience movement without fear of judgment, and explore a variety of physical activities, we not only build better athletes but also nurture healthier, more well-rounded individuals.
Instead of being the generation known for the need for 'silent sideline' initiatives, let's be the generation that redefined success in youth sport. Let's establish a measure of achievement that isn't based on the number of trophies on the shelf, but on the smiles on the field, the laughter in the dance, and a lifelong love of movement for its own sake.
Dr Colman Noctor is a child psychotherapist