Welcome to PTC Sports

Here at PTC Sports, we pride ourselves on being ahead of trends to ensure we offer the best experience for all our students. As 2024 draws to a close, we’re looking back and acknowledging how sports and physical education in schools has evolved over the year. 2024 was the year for sustainability and a focus on going green, and with 2025 on the horizon, we forecast another exciting year ahead with a focus on embracing the power of technology and an emphasis on inclusivity.

Here are our predictions for what we expect in school sports and physical education over the coming year:

Tailored Fitness: Embracing Uniqueness
Gone are the days for one-size-fits-all ‘cookie cutter’ lesson plans! Schools are starting to embrace that PE needs to be planned, adapted and tailored to ensure all learners’ needs are met. According to the NHS, in the UK, development disorders affect around 18% of 7 to 11-year-olds. For these children to access their physical education in line with their peers, they often require tailored approaches to support their concentration, impulse control, motor skills and to prevent sensory overload. We predict that 2025 will be the year where schools will offer a greater variety of sports and fitness adapted to meet individual needs. Whether it’s a sport or a new activity they are trying, the focus will be on making every child feel capable and confident. At PTC Sports, we are proud to already offer this personalised approach.

Active Blasts: Moving in the Classroom
Awareness about different learning styles has made huge strides in how teaching is delivered. 30% of primary age children are kinaesthetic learners and all children benefit greatly from regular movement in classrooms. Studies show that just 2-3 minutes of physical activity every 2-3 hours can improve engagement, behaviour and learning outcomes. We predict more schools will implement the ‘Active Blast’ approach, where brief physical activities between lessons or tasks will be introduced to help students refocus and feel refreshed and more motivated to learn. Other benefits of regular movement breaks include enhanced memory, improved behaviour and better physical and mental well-being. When students engage in physical activities between lessons, blood flow to the brain is increased, delivering more oxygen and energy which boosts their focus and performance in the classroom. If you’re a school and looking for inspiration, we recommend imoves.

Updating Workspaces: Stand up Desks
2024 was the year where sitting was cited as the new smoking, and awareness of the dangers of prolonged periods of sitting saw workplaces introduce stand-up desks, and in some cases, under desk treadmills! We predict that in 2025, more schools will offer sit-stand desks, where students can adapt to sitting or standing. There are a host of benefits of standing desks including improvement to posture, cognitive function, memory and engagement. In addition, incorporating movement into classrooms will help to support dynamic learning and allow many students to feel more comfortable and alert, both of which benefit their mental and physical well-being and thus, are likely to translate to increased academic performance.

Mindfulness Matters: Introduction to Yoga and Meditation
At PTC sports we are passionate about all sports, including yoga!
Studies have repeatedly shown children who practice yoga often feel calmer, happier, more relaxed and less stressed than those who don’t. Needless to say, there are a host of other benefits too!

You can read more about the benefits of yoga here on our blog: https://ptcsports.co.uk/latest_news/5-reasons-why-yoga-is-a-must-try-activity-for-the-whole-family/

While physical fitness is a priority in the curriculum, mental well-being is becoming a key focus, with approximately one in ten primary aged children having a recognised mental health condition- that’s around 3 in every class.
In 2025, we expect mindfulness techniques to play a larger role in schools, whether that be used in PE lessons or as an alternative sanction to detention. Schools that have implemented mindfulness have reported a reduction in suspensions, as well as improved attendance and attainment. The goal is to help students develop resilience, emotional strength and the skills to regulate their emotions both inside and outside of school.

We predict that more schools will integrate mindfulness into their curriculum, whether through yoga, breathing exercises or meditation. We recommend Cosmic Kids on YouTube as a good resource to get started at home.

Sensory-Friendly Play Areas: Inclusive Playtime
Arguably the favourite part of a student’s day is playtime. While we already know it aids their social, physical and motor skills, it also boosts their cognitive development. 2025 will be the year schools will upgrade play areas to make them more inclusive. Improving areas with things like accessible equipment, quiet zones and sensory areas, which will make a huge difference to children with sensory needs. Sensory-friendly playgrounds encourage all children to explore, engage and be active without feeling overwhelmed, allowing them to experience the joy of play in spaces designed to meet their unique needs.

At PTC Sports we are proud to embrace change, and constantly aim to improve and adapt, ensuring we provide the best experience for all our students. 2025 is set to be an exciting year as we embrace more movement and greater inclusivity. We are ready to offer the most innovative and engaging sports coaching to inspire the next generation of athletes.

Introducing your children to sports at an early age offers a host of benefits and abilities to develop physical skills, learn teamwork, and build confidence. As parents, you play a crucial role in supporting and nurturing our future young athletes. Here are our essential tips to help you guide your children through their sports journey, ensuring they stay motivated, healthy, and happy.

1. Be your Children’s Biggest Cheerleader

Encouragement and positivity are key, since 2013 we have seen first-hand the magic that happens when children are showered with praise. We urge you to celebrate their achievements, no matter how small, and provide reassurance when they face challenges. Your support helps build their self-esteem and resilience.

• Celebrate Efforts and Progress: Focus on their effort rather than just the outcome, both of you will remember the feeling of them achieving their first goal over a medal.
• Stay Positive: Maintain a positive attitude during both wins and losses. Your reaction can influence how they perceive and handle successes and setbacks. Remind them everything is a lesson, and it’s more about the fun they’ve had.

2. Nurture a Healthy Relationship with Sports

Help your children develop a balanced and healthy relationship with sports. Emphasise the importance of enjoyment, personal growth and skills over simply winning.

• Encourage Enjoyment: Make sure they are having fun and enjoying their sport. This will keep them motivated and engaged in the long run.
• Try New Sports: Let your children try a wide range of activities until they find the ones they love the most.
• Promote Balance: Encourage participation in a variety of activities to prevent burnout and overuse injuries. Balance sports with academics, social activities, and rest.

3. Provide Proper Nutrition and Hydration

Fuelling your child with the right nutrition and hydration is essential for their performance and overall well-being.

• Balanced Meals: Ensure they have balanced meals that include carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats. Ideas like wholegrain toast with avocado and eggs or chicken pesto pasta salad can provide the necessary nutrients.
• Stay Hydrated: Encourage regular water intake, aiming for six to eight glasses a day. For intense activities, consider options like coconut water or homemade sports drinks.

Want to learn more about our nutrition advice, you can discover our top tips in our recent blog post: https://ptcsports.co.uk/latest_news/nutrition-tips-for-young-athletes/

4. Create a Supportive Environment

Your involvement and the environment you create can significantly impact your child’s sports experience.

• Be Present: Attend their games and practices whenever possible and put your phone away! Parental presence shows that you value their efforts and are there to support them.
• Listen and Communicate: Be open to listening to their thoughts and feelings about their sports experiences. Encourage open communication to understand their perspective and address any concerns. Try visualisation to help prepare them for upcoming games and matches.

5. Be a Role Model

Set a positive example by demonstrating healthy habits and behaviours.

Model Healthy Habits: Demonstrate the importance of regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and a positive attitude towards sports by ensuring you also exercise and eat well. Need some motivation to stick to your healthy living goals? Studies show exercise is a powerful stress reliever. It boosts mood, reduces anxiety and depression, and improves focus.

By actively supporting and encouraging your children in sports, you help them build a foundation for success in athletic pursuits and life. Your role as a parent is vital in fostering a positive, healthy, and enjoyable sports experience. For more ideas on how to nurture your young athlete, you can discover a host of articles over on our blog: https://ptcsports.co.uk/news/