The Impact of Sports Participation in Clubs on the Academic Achievement of Primary School Pupils A Field Study at Guemim El Habib Primary School, Aïn Madhi Municipality

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the impact of participation in sports clubs on the academic achievement of primary school pupils through a field study conducted at Guemim El Habib Primary School in Aïn Madhi Municipality, Laghouat Province, Algeria. The descriptive-analytical method was adopted. The study sample consisted of 100 fourth- and fifth-grade pupils, divided into two equal groups: 50 pupils participating in sports activities within sports clubs and 50 non-participating pupils, in addition to 6 primary school teachers. Data were collected through a questionnaire administered to teachers and through pupils’ annual academic averages. The results revealed statistically significant differences in academic achievement between pupils participating in sports activities within sports clubs and their non-participating peers, in favor of the participating group, with mean scores of 8.15 ± 1.08 and 6.40 ± 1.35, respectively. The questionnaire findings also indicated that participating pupils demonstrated higher levels of discipline, self-confidence, initiative, teamwork, concentration, and problem-solving abilities. Furthermore, the results showed a large effect size of sports participation on academic achievement. The study concluded that participation in sports clubs is an important educational factor that contributes to improving academic achievement and enhancing the psychological, social, and cognitive development of primary school pupils. Therefore, parents and educational institutions should provide greater support and encouragement for children’s engagement in organized sports activities to promote their holistic development.