How To Manage Boredom

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How often do you sit and think to yourself 'I wish I could just find something fun to do'? If you can relate to this you may also agree that it is particularly true when the week end arrives.  As a young person boredom is something really common and unavoidable at times. It is really irritating when you are at home all day and the only way to entertain yourself seem to be to watch programmes, surf the internet to download the latest song from your favourite artist, talk on the phone, text your friends or play video games.  Before you know it the day has gone. You probably know you spend too much time on these things because your parents are always complaining that you spend too much time on your Blackberry. A more important reason why you know is that you actually feel it through restlessness. 

Although technology has made it easier for you to get in contact with your friends when you are getting more exercise in your fingers than in your whole body and that is not healthy. This is a consequence of boredom. Even worse boredom can eat up at you to the point that you end up doing things you wouldn't normally do if you were occupied. Your time could be spent doing other things which will challenge your mind and body much more. A good option is to channel this boredom into an activity you love.

The question is what do you like to do? What would you like to get out of it? What steps do you need to take to get started? The answer to these questions lies with you. You owe it to yourself to at least try to find a hobby or activity that will give you confidence and an opportunity to show what you are capable of. Sure you are going to get people in your life and often they are individuals around your age groups, who discourage you but do not let them put you off. You are unique and you have something important to contribute. 

You do not have to be the best at what you do as long as you enjoy it. If you are not sure about what you like try something different, especially if you like the look of it. If you enjoy sport you could always find coaching sessions to play Football, Floorball, Tennis, Dodge ball, Handball or take up Judo and Athletics classes. It doesn't have to be a sport. It could be dance, painting, learning to play an instrument, volunteering or charity work. You deserve to show your skills. The advantage of a hobby is that it can provide an outlet for you to express yourself in a healthy and fun way. A hobby like playing sport can open many doors for you.

What do you get out of it all?

• Its a way to keep yourself entertained and having something to look forward to outside of school and your home life. Additionally, it is a method to change the boring routines you are so tired of.

• It is a step to making new friends who you share the same interests with. You can even get your friends to come along to your favourite activities. 

• A chance to be rewarded for something you are good at. You could be given free stuff when or win things when you are at the right place at the right time. 

• If you like competing with people in your age group there is a strong possibility that regular tournaments and competitions are held for different activities. 

• By getting yourself involved you can gain experience and someone might even offer you a job which will look brilliant on your CV.

•  It could help you feel good about yourself because you are achieving. This will boost your confidence and help you learn interactive, communication, organisation, listening and leadership skills.

 

Getting ride of boredom and finding something to do is not always easy but you have to take first steps to change things for yourself. There are many organisations including the Run Fun Starz Group that can help you as a young person. So don't hesitate to join an activity that you would like to be part of.

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Why The Support For Coaching Is Going To Help Balance The Decrease In Physical Activity

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Most of us are aware of the fact that the older we get the less chances of us continuing to take part in physical activity as adults. Analysis have shown this decreasing trend begins as young as 11 years of age. The key reason why the support for coaching is going to help balance this trend is the support of communities. In a report by Rosie Townend and Julian North (2007) it showed that the public's attitude towards coaching and development was extremely positive. A total of 82% of non-participants in the review were said to believe that coaching does increase people's involvement in sport. When there is such strong belief that the practice of sports coaching makes a good contribution and is widely accepted it is likely to attract funding from different sources. 

Apart from financial gains, funding schemes like Play Sport London brings new and attractive opportunities to people. Things such as the use of specialised sports equipment, playing in excellent venues/facilities, prizes and personal satisfaction. People jump at these chances because they are not wide spread. This is especially attractive to people who are externally motivated when it comes to participating in sport.

Sport and physical activity has a way of bringing the best out of individuals and communities. In many areas local coaches, organisations and communities work together to stage regular sporting events. It is collective efforts like these that can create a sense of unity and cohesiveness. Furthermore, the dedication of grassroots coaches who will work with you come rain or shine, day in and day out is of major significance to many. 

Critically, this is one of various reasons coaching is highly regarded. Coaching has the ability to provide a kind of support system for those who seek it. Those who use it will often be quoted to say 'I like playing here because the coach has helped me a lot'. This help could be linked to the quality of delivery, fitness, confidence, enjoyment, learning sporting skills and/or providing a fun environment to be in. It is widely know that all of the latter play a pivotal part to maintaining involvement in physical activity. 

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What An Inspiring Man

If you are looking for some inspiration in your life look to this man, Nick Vujicic. He shows to be a really good motivational speaker but there is something special about him. His message is very deep and shows that everyone is special in their own way no matter who you are. We are all stars. This clip is really good for children to see as the video demonstrates the way he is able to communicate to them and they seem to connect with him.

Nick Vujicic - Motivational Speaker 

Now that you have watched the video. What do you think? His half time or dressing room speeches in any sport would be something else wouldn't they? We could do with more people like him especially for young people who often feel victimised and scared to discuss what they are going through. Thank you to @ulfjens for showing us this video on twitter.

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How To Choose A Sport & Stay Active In The Winter

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Studies have indeed found that there is a link between seasons in the year and decline in exercise patterns. As we anticipate a very harsh winter approaching here in London and many parts of the UK and some of have already begun to feel the chill, you understandably and naturally become less willing to go out. Rather than pulling up to your local sports club or leisure centre on a dark, frosty and freezing Tuesday evening you probably like to snuggle up with a cup of tea and get some sleep. Don't be put off by the weather because the lack of exercise actually increases your risk of developing heart disease. Taking part in physical activity and/or sport could improve your quality of sleep because of specific hormones which contribute to positive feelings. If you want to stay fit and healthy and more importantly help avoid the winter blues staying active can boost your mood:

The main physical exercise this blog would suggest is to take up and indoor sport like:

1. Tennis - a racket sport that can be played indoors using indoor courts. It is one of the all year round racket activities that can be more attractive to those who are very sensitive to the cold. Playing sports like tennis for the duration of just 10 minutes can burn approximately 40-70 calories according to Professor Larry A. Weinrauch's study. Tennis helps enhance co-ordination, flexibility and agility. Tennis played indoors is a sport that will get you nice and warmed up quickly due to the repeated explosive movements. You can book into sessions with other like-minded individuals if you are worried about no having anyone to go with.

2. Judo- If you are an all action person and need an activity that will help your alertness then Judo is for you. It is one of many martial arts sports that will keep you fighting fit. A sport that is very good for maximising fitness levels and could be a fantastic confidence booster. Judo is good for your balance and concentration. A study by the American College of Sports Medicine (2000) found that Judo is effective in elevating your heart rate by 70% in adults and 68% in children. 

3. Fitness Lessons - Taking fitness classes during the winter can do wonders for your core strength and muscles. Fitness lessons are ideal for cross training which will ensure you work on a group of muscles all at the same time. A lot of fitness lessons involve interval training and research indicates to burn fat. A traditional fitness programme devised by Bell (2010) showed that volunteers in the traditional fitness programme improved their fitness response more significantly than the group taking regular walks as part of their regular exercise. Activities like jumping ropes and circuit training drills are useful ways of working up a sweat.

4. Basketball- The great thing about Basketball is that it one of those sports that can be played indoors and outdoors. Basketball is guaranteed to get your pulse up so it also sure to keep you warm. This sport is a top cardiovascular work out. If you are looking to build up your power and strength (which is great for the winter) basketball is a good place to start. Basketball is often popular with kids and young people so if you have children it may be a good idea to book them onto to some sessions. 12 to 14 year teenagers will especially benefit as participation in a sport like Basketball will enhance their life satisfaction according to the Zullig & White's (2009) results, something that is important during the winter months.

If you are considering taking up a sport during the winter months or increasing the intensity of your physical activity be sure you get a medical examination from your GP first before you start any sport or vigorous exercise. Furthermore, before doing any form of activity ensure you do a proper warm-up first as your muscles are much tighter and colder in the winter. Also supplement activities with eating well. In conclusion during the winter getting out where there is light should lift your mood levels

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Are Your Drills Becoming Predictable?

This is the last thing you want if your drills are designed to be fun. When you organise and set up drills it is inevitable that some of the drills you incorporate are repeated. Repetition is a necessary part of drills because it is the important element of practice. After all how can you practice skills and fitness levels without some kind of repetition? But it is easy to get caught up into the same boring routine. Be careful of this as it could hamper effort and motivation. You want to keep spirits up and part of creating an enjoyable environment is keeping participants on their toes. So here are two main pointers to follow to avoid your drills becoming predictable:

1. Variation - No matter how much you think your participants will love the drill that you have got in store for them, PLAN AHEAD. Always have 3-4 different versions of the drill available to you. You should not be scared to try a different version of a drill even if you suspect that your group will not like it. It is key they practice in as many situations as possible. Whether the plan is in your head or it is written down in the coaching plan be prepared to use it. Planning to change the aspects of the drill will help with maintaining a challenge.

2. Challenge the Mind - Boredom and predictability often comes from groups and individuals not needing to think in your drills. So make them think think think by adding to the number of decisions they must make in the drill. It is a way to keep them busy physically and psychologically.

If you want to stop your drills from becoming predictable follow these two key points. It should have individuals arriving to your sessions with the question 'What are we doing today?'. 

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How To Make Your Adult Sport Activities More Fun

Here are five key points you can implement to help you ensure adults in your sports activities have a good time:



1. 'Inclusive Sports' - Firstly, you should consider including sports and activities which are very easy to play and are not as physically or technically demanding. This means a person that is new to the activity is more likely to pick up the rules and strategies required to play. And because they understand how to play they are probably engaging and enjoying themselves. Dodge ball is a good example of a sport that can almost be played by anyone. 

2. Create Stress-Free Atmosphere - Most adults who take part in physical activity want to be somewhere free from the stresses of their job, family life and responsibilities. Ensure you create an environment that is about fun by encouraging people to express themselves emotionally and physically.

3. Socialising - Playing sport for many adults is an outlet. One of the major attractions which help maintain levels of attendance is the social element to sport. Implement tasks, ice breakers and group situations as part of the sessions to encourage socialising between people. Your participants will have even more fun in the sessions when they feel they are in the company of people they have things in common with and make new friends in the process.

4. Bring out the 'Inner Child' - Your sports activities should always seek out to bring out the inner child in adults it they are all about fun. Every now and then adults just want to forget the stresses of adult life. Attending your sessions could be the only chance to truly act like a kid again. So let them get out there and be a kid.

5. Competitive - Some adults are like sports solely for the purpose of competitiveness. Regular competition and tournaments gives people something to look forward to and work hard for. This means they are focused and dedicated. People enjoy a challenge and something that is going to test their ability/skills. 

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How To Employ An Educational Approach In Sport?

As much as sports is about playing and succeeding to some degree; it is also vital that there is an educational element to reaching this success. When you are not working in a school or within other educational parameters it is easy to drift away from ensuring there at least some learning is taking place. If you are working with a group where the main aim is to compete it can be even more difficult. The best tip this blog would suggest is to create a balance. Here are 4 top tips to consider why an educational approach is useful:

1. Trust Building - When people can truly say 'Hey, I can really learn something from this person' it means they are prepared to engage with what you have to offer. You must seize this opportunity as this could make the difference to them having belief in your methods. This is the beginning of building trust. People are generally very responsive to sessions with an educational value because there is a personal gain attached to it. 

2. Commitment - Its hard to believe that anyone wouldn't want those in your sessions, workshops and lessons to be committed to your programme. The commitment of others makes your job easier as you don't have to struggle for the focus that is needed.

3. Confidence - Those in your programme are likely to have a boosted confidence in it, especially when they are personally benefiting. When people have confidence in your programme it could also help the group dynamics. 

4. Understanding - People are more responsive to learning when they understand questions to WHY they are performing tasks in certain ways. This will increase the likelihood of accepting your approach. 

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 Little Free Play Hurts Children's Confidence in Sport

Coaches and teachers are often faced with children and young people in their sessions that have low confidence and are less motivated. This may be for a number of reasons such as shyness, dislike of the activity, boredom or inadequate free play just to mention a few. This blog post will focus on the latter as it is one that is frequently forgotten about  because of the short time usually available (something that the coach/teacher does not always have control over). If you are a parent and you have a child that really adores playing sport but you see a sudden withdrawal of interest from your child it may be that they are getting little free time to actually play the game. 

When it comes to children being given little free play time in sport it is often coaches of young elite athletes, talented athletes and competitive sports leaders who are prone it. This  understandably, due to pressures of competitive of youth and elite sport. Equally, lack free play time can also occur in grassroots sports. As noted earlier lack of time in sessions which the can be a huge factor.

Children no doubt often drop out of sports participation due to negative experiences. The majority of children who like sports do seem to do so  because it is simply fun. This fun factor is significantly correlated to their free play. And as we all know, when you take away anything fun from children the will to engage almost disappears immediately. Another scenario that may lead a child into receiving little or no free play is in team games where children are given the freedom to pick their own team and even tactics at times.  As a result children can become very competitive and therefore want to do as much as possible to succeed. 

Albeit, this motivation to succeed can come at the expense of another child's free play time . It is common that this particular child is not perceived as having the ability to make a significant contribution to the team by their peers. Inevitably, the ball might not be passed to them during free play or they may only be used a as a substitute. This attitude must be stamped out straight away otherwise it becomes a very unsporting habit. The feeling of rejection by peers can be even more detrimental to a child's confidence. Coaches and teachers must always try to stop this happening by incorporating conditions as it is them they are seeking to impress as part of growing up. For instance a condition like everyone needing to touch the ball before an attempt at goal will help. Additionally, limit the focus on outcome goals as this  for children as winning is not the most important thing at this stage. Encourage process goals 

Whilst some children are not affected by little free play time others are exposed to feeling they are not good enough and even feeling unsupported by their coach/teacher.  It is of vital importance that coaches and teachers address it if there is a problem of free play time to stop children developing fear of failure. If equal free play time is allocated as much as possible it decreases the possibility of low confidence.

Free play time also involves the period of practicing certain skills in drills. It is the coach's duty to make interventions and corrections during this time. Nevertheless, play should be allowed to go on as much as possible. Too many corrections can be perceived as interruption to play by the child and as a result they could become fed up. The most effective way is to strike a good balance between free play time and corrections; don't you think?

 

Amie Samba

Managing Director

Run Fun Starz Group ®

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Find Out More About Community and Grassroots Sports

The Community Channel on Youtube has a really good programme called Your Sport. It gives you good insight to how sport is being developed by ordinary people through grassroots and beyond. If you are Teacher, young person, coach or you just have an interest in sports it might give you some useful tips and ideas on future projects and events. This video really goes to the heart of what sport can do for communities around the world. Enjoy!

Your Sport Series 

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What Will Run Fun Starz Group Do For Community Sports?

One of the many questions we are faced with when working with people who are directly or indirectly using our programmes, sessions, events, tournaments etc is how can Run Fun Starz Group help us?

The fundamental answer lays within our vision in that:

‘We exist to deliver Flexy Sports Programmes which will serve as the platform for children, young people and adults of all abilities to reach their personal best in sport’’.   

Tell us your ideal sporting experience and we will seek to bring it to reality in the closest way possible. But we always begin by bringing modern and innovative sports and activities with exciting ways of delivering to improve individuals and groups. At the centre of our approach is the person taking part in the programmes because they are the guide to how to get to their personal best. We seek to make a difference, with the support of others too.

How Do We Seek To Make a Difference?

1. We have raised children, young people and adults self-esteem, motivation and opportunities in the community through the participation of Flexy Sports Programmes. The outcome of improving mental aspect such as the above is the creation of a more relaxed, positive and cohesive environment in communities. To continue such work we are always on the look out for working with people from all sectors of the community.

2. We have created inclusive sessions that will facilitate each and every individual child, young person and adult’s level of sporting experience and ability through fun and enjoyment. Including others is important to us as everyone deserves a chance to take part. Many of our able bodied participants also participate in sports and activities which are associated with people with  disabilities. The outcome of our inclusive programmesis that it encouraged individuals to be open minded about different sport and come out of their comfort zone. To ensure young people especially have a fair chance of our programmes we regularly put on free sessions in youth clubs, local sports halls and schools.

3. We have been and will continue to be the platform for children, young people and adults who seek ample practice to enhance their skills. As giving people the opportunity to experience sports which are relatively unknown to them we have pathway set up to direct people who have the potential to become professional athletes. The pathway has links to agencies we are connected to. One of them is the ACE 2012.

4. We are helping children, young people and adults build and maximise new skills  and acquire understanding required to continue a healthy and active lifestyle in the future. The outcome of it is getting people to think and act on the steps to live healthy.

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Why Are Sports Participation Rates Low Among Ethnic Minorities?

Most people tend to think about why the rates low but don't consider looking at effective solutions that can be emulated from one group to another. But like women, girls and people with disabilities ethnic minorities are also a group which tends to have lower sports participation rates. According to National Statistics (2007) sports among ethnic minority groups is only 40% compared with the national average which is 46%. There is even a stronger correlation between gender and participation as the issue of female involvement of sport is also prevalent in minority groups.  The survey found that Black, Caribbean, Black African, Pakistani and Bangladeshi females are least likely to participate with 32% compared to national average of 39%. Whereas Indian, Black Caribbean, Bangladeshi and Pakistani men were less likely to participate in sport than men generally.  ‘Black Other’ actually has a slightly higher participation rates than the national average. The concerns from participating in sport for ethic minorities often relate to facilities, cost, time/man power, distribution of information, fear of discrimination and language barriers.

Due to there being many members of ethic communities who come from a low socio-economic background it makes it more likely that they live in a deprived area. As a result the possibility of experiencing inadequate standards of sports facilities within the area. When a facility does not have a lot of quality equipment to use this takes away from the experience that you are seeking and therefore you may not want to go back.  This could be enough to put anyone off playing regular sport but due to factors stated earlier the chances are higher for people from ethnic populations. The improvement of these facilities is in the control of local councils and governing bodies who manage the distribution of funding facilities.

However, those involved in the day-to-day running of the operational aspect within the facilities should put in place measures which will maintain a good standard for people. Another factor that may deter someone from an ethnic group in taking part in sport is the lack of access to sports specialist facilities may be restricted because of cost and the quality of the delivery of sports may be of low quality due to inexperienced and under trained staff. Any organisation or facility should always seek to keep the skills of their work force up to date for a better experience for people living within their area. When it comes to the provision of facilities a lot of places such as sports clubs, leisure centres and sports centres have already been developed and improved in London through investment.

How ever, spectacular a facility may look in the end the cost of playing sport will be the main aspect to influence the opportunity of many individuals from an ethnic group. If you are a young person from an ethnic minority population and want to join a Tennis Club then membership fees can be extremely high. This blog would suggest introducing occasional special offers like discount memberships and free lessons and use of facilities to attract this group. The main point is to make it as affordable as possible as people will be more willing to find out incentives that could be financially beneficial to them.

For reasons that could be cultural, religious or due to family responsibilities someone from an ethnic group may find it more difficult to make time to participate in sports. This is even more of a struggle if you are from an environment where sport and physical activity is not viewed as essential. Therefore it is vital to put on sports activities at times that accommodating to the availability of certain groups. It might also help to have an area for the provision of children or a place where other family members can comfortably sit. It may also be a good idea to assist individuals who need the human resources to organise sports activities by offering skilled volunteers and trained sports professionals to help out. The role may be something minimal as giving advice and information. This may be more effective if the responsibility is given to persons who actually have an ethnic background or affiliation and can take the role as a mediator. Making an effort to reach out to people from the ethnic minority can make the difference in someone choosing to play more sport.

The distribution of information is vital in engaging ethnic minority groups. Information needs to be easily accessed and communicated in a way that is relevant to the individual and takes their understanding into account. This will also make the obstacle of language barriers easier as in most multi-cultural areas there will be difficulties in integrating some groups into the mainstream and consequently, some may feel excluded as they have little understanding. Furthermore, this could lead to feeling discriminated against and uncomfortable. Thus individuals need to be made to feel welcomed and encouraged when they express an interest in taking part.

One key point to take away from this is that  Black Other has the highest participation (60%) then any other group. The questions that need to be asked from this point on is what are the approaches that have significantly contributed to this groups high rate of sports participation? How could this approach be manipulated and then applied to other groups? Which of these approaches are more effective to which groups and why/not? What are the other strategies and approaches that could be used?

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