The role of sport and education in the formation of future citizens : with special reference to the world of football

Abstract

Sport and physical activity in life are highly followed and discussed by various researchers and sport proponents. This thesis focuses on the realistic challenges faced by sports in contemporary society. It is a misconception when sport becomes underestimated in comparison to academic success. It is proclaimed that sport is rather significant in life as it empowers one’s development in a holistic way. Through sport, individuals are trained to be able to cope and to live with the rest of society. To do so, education is regarded as one of the main key features in the world of sports. Being successful in life is not directly proportional to the number of academic certificates obtained. However, the development of future citizens as all-rounded individuals is an important achievement. It is very common that sport becomes associated with physical activity that is normally linked to the general well-being of a person. Additionally, physical activity is associated to an organised sport, under a competitive structure, with a goal to attain. However, it is highly understood that sport deals with much more than this. In fact, the aim of this research is not to associate sport, solely with the well-being of one’s self or with the usual techniques of how to play a game, but the main focus of this work is to evaluate the real significance of sports in life in relation to the educative component. In fact, it is maintained that sport adopts the role of an educator through which future citizens are created to live adequately in society. This research study led to a better understanding of the world of sport, in relation to the formation of future citizens. Sport and physical activity have been regarded as trivial to the physical, social and emotional development of an individual. As it is shown in this research, sport is perceived as a mechanism that leads to the development of vital social life skills. Sports and education are both sources through which socialisation, discipline and teamwork are promoted; and both of them exemplify respect towards authority and values. Furthermore, sport is also perceived as another alternative to deviant acts, including drug abuse, violence and crime. Thus, considering its importance, it should not be underestimated when compared to other priorities in life, as it helps to empower each and every individual with higher self-esteem and confidence. Sport does not allow any type of discrimination neither between genders, nor amongst individuals of different skin colour. It promotes a kind of benevolent environment where everyone enjoys participating, whilst everyone becomes treated equally and sensitively. Therefore, sport promotes healthy citizens in all senses as will be shown in the coming chapters.