Video games are being increasingly recognised for their role in nurturing young sporting talent. A new survey by Nimbl, the leading pocket money card and app for 6 to 18-year-olds, has highlighted how sports video games are shaping children’s sports skills, understanding, and enthusiasm for real-life sports.
Bridging Virtual and Physical Sports
Sports video games such as FIFA, NBA 2K, and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater are gaining recognition for their educational value, particularly in helping young players understand the intricacies of different sports. The survey, conducted by nimbl with 410 parents across the UK, revealed that 41% of children have developed a better understanding of sports rules and strategies through gaming. Additionally, 37% of parents noted improvements in cognitive skills such as problem-solving and teamwork, while 42% observed enhanced fine motor skills, including reaction times, hand-eye coordination, and anticipation.
Sandy from Epsom shared how her 12-year-old daughter Lilly, who plays football for her school and local clubs, has benefited from gaming. “Gaming has given her a better understanding of the rules, strategy, and skills she can develop. It’s been great socially, as she can play with family and friends, learning about teamwork and cooperation.”
Inspiring Participation and Passion
Beyond skill development, video games are also inspiring curiosity and passion for sports in children. The immersive nature of these games allows young players to explore new sports, discover new skills, and take risks in a ‘safe space’. According to the nimbl survey, 35% of children were inspired to try new sports after playing video games, with football (27%), basketball (5%), and tennis (3%) among the most popular choices.
Jo from Watford spoke about her 11-year-old son Issac, who has been inspired to try new sports through gaming. “My son enjoys bowling and playing tennis online and offline. Gaming has inspired him to try new sports like golf. After playing a Nintendo golf game, he wanted to go to the driving range and loved it!”
Balancing Gaming and Physical Fitness
While video games are proving to be a valuable tool in developing sporting skills, finding the right balance between gaming and physical activity remains crucial. The survey found that 69% of children game for over four hours a week, with 28% spending more than 10 hours a week on video games. Despite this, 25% of parents reported that motion-based video games have helped improve or maintain their child’s physical fitness, particularly for those with disabilities or those unable to participate in out-of-school activities.
Summer Boredom Buster Promotion
In response to the wet summer weather, with the Met Office estimating up to 50 rainy days, nimbl has launched its Summer Boredom Buster promotion. Running from July to September, the promotion offers families the chance to win an Xbox Series S or a Nintendo Switch OLED Model through weekly and daily prize draws.
Alana Parsons, Chief Executive of Nimbl, commented, “Our survey found that 42% of parents spent over £500 on gaming equipment, with 8% spending over £1,000. With many families feeling the pinch and putting off holidays, our Summer Boredom Buster promotion aims to bring some fun on rainy days! Recognising the educational and inspirational value of video games, we can foster well-rounded athletes and inspire a lifelong passion for sports.”