Co-curricular - Junior Sport Stage 3

Where has the “Natural” Gone?

One of the unique sides to sport is the different terminology that comes with each code or genre of activity - often foreign to those on the outside, but often the glue that brings a group of people together and helps form their identity as a select group within society.

There is no piece of sporting lingo that reaches far and wide and crosses through all sporting activities more than the term 'the natural.' This term refers to the athlete that has a natural affinity to movement. They are able to quickly grasp hold of movements required, have a 'feel' for how to play a game and very quickly adapts and plays at a better-than-average level. They are not limited to one sport and seemingly excel at whatever they give their attention to.

Over my time working in sport, I have witnessed the decline of ‘the natural’. In the past, the playground and sporting fields would be filled with boys and girls who would be out playing everything they could, whatever was available to them, and this gave them a wide experience of skills and game sense that they could utilise on any court, field or in any game. Their bodies became well-conditioned and balanced. Their rate of injury was low, fitness was high and away from sport they seemed to be happy and content. So, the question is: where has 'the natural gone?'

There are many factors that have led to the demise of ‘the natural’. The natural took a big hit during the COVID pandemic. Many people got a taste of an alternative lifestyle, one that wasn’t spent running around from place to place to play sport. It felt good and once everything returned to normal again, families were making choices to keep their new lifestyle and not re-engage with previously busy schedules.

Another reason for the demise is the rise in sporting academies. It seems like every sport has a plethora of academies inviting kids to specialise in their chosen sport from a very early age and pigeonholes them into being one particular type of athlete. One result of this focus is that many very talented children are no longer playing sport after their mid-teens. We know that the biggest drop-out rate occurs at the age of 13-14 for girls and 15-16 for boys, often because of a very narrow focus and ultimately burn-out occurs. There is also significant evidence to suggest that those children that have a wide variety of experience in sport growing up:

tend to remain active for the whole lives
are often the ones that grow into higher, professional levels of sport and
are possibly more likely to have a reduced chance of injuries.

With this understanding, I hope that everyone in our community takes opportunities presented to them over the coming Christmas break to move and be active. To not pigeonhole themselves into the thought of ‘I’m a rugby player’ or ‘I’m a footballer or cricketer” or whatever your passion is. Rather, to see yourself as a mover and have as many varied experiences as you can. If enough of us are able to do this and keep doing this, we might just see the return of ‘the natural.'

A few reminders as we approach the end of the school year:

All Basketball and Touch Football singlets need to be returned. Please have them washed and folded before handing them back. This can be done throughout the week, and singlets should be returned to my office.
Recently we held the Annual House Swimming Carnival and boys have been swimming as part of their PE lessons. What is very clear, is that the impact of COVID is still present and leaving its mark. Many of the boys in Years 5 and 6 would have had to stop (if they were able to start) swimming lessons. Many have not yet returned to develop their skills in the pool. Swimming is an important skill and will serve the boys well as they progress through to their senior school years. Not to mention the positive social aspects of being able to fully engage in future carnivals. This summer might be a great opportunity to reconnect with further developing this vital skill.
The Junior School Presentation Afternoon will be held on Friday 29 November in the College Gymnasium. The afternoon will start promptly at 3:30 PM and boys will move from class straight to the gym at the conclusion of school. The afternoon is scheduled to conclude no later than 6:30 PM.

Finally, I would like to thank our Junior School community for all their support of the boys this year. With our parents/carers driving the boys to venues, collecting them after training and making sure they are prepared for games, we wouldn’t have our Co-curricular Program. So, I thank you all for your time and unwavering support of the boys. I would also like to thank all the Junior School Staff that, week in and week out, care for the boys and develop their skills through their coaching. Thank you for all the time and effort you put into all your sessions and games. Lastly, a big thank you to all the boys for their tireless efforts and commitment to representing the Blue, Black and Gold. Your pride and enthusiasm for being involved is inspiring. I look forward to the new year of Co-curricular activities in 2025.

I wish everyone a joyous and blessed Christmas and look forward to your safe return in 2025.

John Locke

Head of Co-Curricular Stage 3