In today’s increasingly digital world, it’s more important than ever for children to stay active – not only for their physical health but also for their mental, emotional and social wellbeing. At YMCA Newark, we believe that structured athletic activity is a cornerstone of healthy child development, which is why we’ve designed our sports programmes to nurture more than just physical ability.
Through initiatives like our year-round youth athletics programmes and the popular Camp Williams, we deliver accessible and inclusive sporting opportunities that promote fitness, confidence and character.

Physical Development: Strength, Coordination and Healthy Habits

One of the most obvious and immediate benefits of regular athletic participation is physical development. At YMCA Newark, our activities are designed to improve gross motor skills, build muscular strength, and develop cardiovascular health – all of which contribute to lifelong wellbeing.
Whether your child is sprinting during track & field at Camp Williams, learning technique in a gymnastics class, or taking part in our indoor football league, every movement promotes:
* Better coordination and balance
* Increased flexibility and stamina
* Improved bone density and posture
* Healthier body weight and heart health
According to the NHS, children aged 5-18 should engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day. Our YMCA sports offerings provide a fun, structured environment to meet (and often exceed) these recommendations, helping instil healthy habits from an early age.

Mental Health Benefits: Confidence, Focus and Stress Relief

Physical activity has a powerful impact on children’s mental health. Numerous studies confirm that regular exercise helps regulate mood, reduce anxiety, and improve self-esteem. We see this in action every day.
Our athletics programmes help children:
* Build confidence as they master new skills
* Develop resilience through goal setting and perseverance
* Manage stress and emotions with regular endorphin-boosting movement
* Improve sleep and energy levels, which further supports mental wellbeing
Children involved in activities like our Camp Williams sports challenges or after-school multi-sport sessions often report feeling happier, calmer and more focused during the school day. Physical activity fuels both the body and brain, laying the groundwork for emotional regulation and mental clarity.

Social Skills: Teamwork, Communication and Empathy

Sport is a natural setting for learning vital social skills. We place strong emphasis on cooperative play and inclusive participation, making our athletic programmes ideal environments for building friendships and learning teamwork.
From team-based games like relay races and basketball at Camp Williams to partner drills in martial arts, children develop:
Communication skills: both verbal and non-verbal
Conflict resolution techniques: learning to solve disagreements constructively
Respect for others: including teammates, opponents and coaches
A sense of belonging: vital for emotional development
These skills translate directly to school and social settings, helping children navigate the world with confidence and empathy.

Academic Performance: Movement Fuels the Mind

Research has increasingly shown that physical activity enhances academic performance, particularly in younger children. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, improves concentration, and boosts memory. All of which contribute to better learning outcomes.
A 2019 study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that children who engaged in regular physical activity performed better on tests of memory and executive function.
For example, our multi-sport sessions at Camp Williams incorporate problem-solving games, strategic team challenges and skill progression planning, all of which encourage mental engagement alongside physical effort.
Additionally, active children tend to:
* Have better classroom behaviour
* Exhibit higher levels of self-discipline
* Show improved attendance and engagement

So when your child signs up for a YMCA athletics programme, they’re not just training for sport, they’re building the focus and discipline needed for academic success.

Character Building: Core Values in Action

At the heart of everything we do at YMCA Newark is a commitment to nurturing strong, compassionate individuals. Our athletics programmes are guided by YMCA’s core values:

Caring: Encouraging empathy and support for others
Honesty: Fostering integrity and fairness
Respect: Promoting sportsmanship and inclusion
Responsibility: Teaching accountability and commitment
Whether a child is learning to accept a loss with grace or celebrating a teammate’s win, every experience becomes an opportunity to grow. Camp Williams in particular is built around these values, using physical activity as a platform to explore leadership, kindness, and community.
Each session begins and ends with reflection, helping children connect what they’ve learned on the field with their lives at home and school.
Conclusion: Helping Kids Thrive, On and Off the Field.

At YMCA Newark, we believe that athletics should be accessible, meaningful and fun for every child. From developing physical strength and coordination to nurturing confidence, focus and social connection, our programmes are designed to support children in every area of life.

Our comprehensive offerings, from year-round youth sports to our flagship Camp Williams, are tailored to meet children where they are, regardless of ability or experience. We welcome all young people with open arms and a passion for helping them flourish.

Opportunities to Get Involved
If you’re a parent looking to support your child’s development through athletics, we have options to suit every schedule and interest:
To learn more, visit www.ymcanewark.org/sports
Call us on 01636 123 456
Email info@ymcanewark.org