New studies are providing startling insights into the effects the pandemic is having on our youth. A new study published in the journal Preventive Medicine reports that youth who participate in extracurricular activities and get less screen time, have better mental health. This research conducted by the University of British Columbia emphasizes the importance of keeping kids moving, and providing them with outlets beyond their phones, TV, and computers.
People like Alex Tegels, TGA (Teach Grow Achieve) Premier Sports, continue to provide youth sports in Hennepin County in safe and creative ways. TGA is a national after-school youth athletic programming company specializing in the individual sports of golf and tennis. Tegels will be holding winter break camps this December in both golf and tennis in conjunction with Hopkins Community Education.
During the COVID-19 pandemic the average child spends about 6.5 hours less per week on sports reports the Aspen Institute's Project Play 'State of Play 2020.' Exercising should be fun and the TGA programs in Hennepin County are helping develop healthy habits for families and our younger generations!
I had a chance to interview Alex to learn more. Here is what she said:
I began my career with TGA about 7 years ago in Southern California. At the time I worked for the PGA of America in player development initiatives, through a partnership with TGA we found a way to get more youth involved in golf. TGA of Central Hennepin County opened in January 2016 as I saw the opportunity and desire for programming in the beginner and recreational golf and tennis youth spaces in the Twin Cities metro area. Our programs are much more than just sport instruction, we use the sports as a basis for other educational concepts including STEM and character development themes such as honesty and sportsmanship.
Our goal is to ignite a passion for sports and game play while developing the foundation for an active and healthy lifestyle. We love to see the friendships and bonds created by our students when they participate in programming. Our programs align with the American Development Model (ADM) created by the US Olympic Committee focusing on long term athletic development. Physical activity helps with children’s problem solving, self control, awareness, memory and attention span, and provides an outlet for their youthful energy!
This past summer as we were able to resume programming, so many parents were excited for their children to get outside in a safe manner. I heard time and again that their child had been spending too much time on their screens for school, or simply because both mom and dad were working. The individualistic nature of golf and tennis helped to make the two sports wonderful options for social distancing even during play. Station based activities provide at least 6 feet of distance and when play was happening, even further apart across a tennis net or green on a golf course. We certainly missed our opportunities to high-five students but we had fun coming up with non-contact ways to say good job and congratulate them on a job well done. More than anything we love the opportunity to share some joy with our students, seeing them laughing and smiling with friends in a safe atmosphere.
To review the full study by the University of British Columbia please click here.
To review the Aspen Institute finds please click here.
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