The noticeable rise in obesity and inactivity in children has many causes, one possible link relates to our fear of allowing our children to compete. Therefore it is important we find the middle ground of fun and friendly competition.

Children, like adults, respond to the right individual, however unlike adults who will take it upon themselves when absolutely necessary, children will generally not motivate themselves. In the early years children will always associate their initial experience with a strong emotive response, this indicates the importance of the coach or instructor.

With such a responsibility the coach or instructor must be inspiring, a role model, fun yet serious in the correct situation to gain…