Prompting increased passion for sports beyond academic hours following school dismissal
Rockin' the Fields of Hutzfeld, Bosau!
You can feel the energy when you step into the Hutzfelder hall! Trembling grounds, cheering voices, and the sound of victory echo through the air. Kids from the Heinrich Harms Elementary School are showcasing their athletic prowess, led by their coach and teacher, Hendrik Voß. He's not only coaching, but he's also a part of the Bosauer Sports Club – a remarkable project that's promoting sports and the development of essential motor skills in children.
Hutzfeld, part of the municipality of Bosau, is already sports-loving. However, a concerning trend has surfaced: motor skill deficits. These deficits can lead to problems down the line, especially when it comes to social behavior and communication skills. Dr. Andrea Kleipoedszus, the LSV project leader, highlights just how crucial sports are in teaching kids about fairness, respect, and dealing with victories and setbacks.
Beyond the basics, this initiative is all about the joy of pushing one's physical limits. The feeling of soaring further, jumping higher, and breaking personal records is like reaching for the stars – and these stars are within reach! Hendrik Voß's after-school sports hour has earned him a loyal following, as he focuses on their overall fitness: coordination, endurance, and strength. The improvements in these areas help improve concentration and mood, making it easier for kids to excel – whether that's with their homework or in school.
Edelgard Suikat, former teacher and the first chairwoman of the Bosauer SV, is a key proponent of the project. As a founding member for decades, she maintains a strong connection with the school, ensuring the project gets off the ground smoothly. Initially, the team assessed the situation, addressing staff shortages and focusing on the available space. The closing of the satellite school in July 2023 created a favorable situation that now allows for sports AGs to be offered by the Bosauer SV for 3rd and 4th graders.
While children receive two regular hours of sports per week during school hours, it's not enough. More medical certificates for "sports promotion" are being issued, indicating the need for more personalized, focused attention. "School and Club" provides just that, with AGs for inline skating, sports promotion (including activities like climbing, jumping, and coordination exercises), and track and field. Over half of the students have jumped at the opportunity and now spend their fifth or sixth after-school hours with the Bosauer SV.
Reinhard Wunsch from AOK Nordwest sees this initiative as a crucial step towards shaping a healthier society. Health insurance companies have a responsibility to support such projects, which help create healthy habits from an early age. When children prefer spending time indoors on their phones, it can be challenging to get them motivated for sports. Professional trainers in clubs, like those in the Bosauer SV, help bridge the gap, ensuring a fun, active, and inspiring environment for kids.
At the moment, there are 485 similar projects nationwide, all led by qualified club trainers and supported by funding from organizations like AOK Nordwest, Sparkassen, and the Ministry of Education, Science, and Culture. Their combined efforts make a significant impact on improving children's motor skills, creating a more active and healthier generation.
So, for those in Hutzfeld, Bosau, and beyond – it's time to get off the couch, put your shoes on, and take on the fields!
- Hendrik Voß, the coach and teacher at Heinrich Harms Elementary School, not only focuses on sports but also on education-and-self-development, incorporating learning opportunities into his after-school sports hour to nurture essential life skills in children.
- As part of the Bosauer Sports Club's initiative, children are encouraged to engage in various activities beyond just sports, such as learning about fairness, respect, and dealing with victories and setbacks – all crucial aspects of football and life.
