Why the Rough and Tumble Can Be a Good Thing ??

Hi there,

Growing up, I was lucky enough to spend most Sundays at our local rugby club, Luctonians, getting stuck into whatever game was going on. It wasn't always glamorous – and I'm sure my mum had to wash a fair share of muddy kits – but those days were vital in shaping who I am today. So, as I think about the future of my own young family, I'm increasingly aware of the value of sports and how the lessons learned on the field outweigh any bumps or bruises that might come along the way.

?There's been a lot of talk in recent years about concussions and injuries in sports, especially as research reveals the risks of repeated head trauma in professional athletes. But when it comes to amateur sports – particularly for kids – a new study suggests that the long-term benefits could outweigh the negatives. The study, which spanned the UK, US, and Australia, found that people who played sports and suffered a concussion actually had better cognitive function later in life compared to those who didn't participate in sports at all. So, while a knock to the head isn't ideal, team sports' mental and physical benefits are undeniable.

Before anyone starts thinking I'm advocating for an all-out brawl every Sunday morning, let me say this -? I don't believe that sports must be aggressive to teach essential life lessons. Whether rugby, football, or even netball, the real value lies in learning teamwork, communication, and resilience. However, I have one strong opinion – when it comes to contact sports, teams should be decided by weight, not age. That levels the playing field and ensures that smaller kids aren't squashed under a pack of larger ones, or simply bulldozed though ( I still remember, Josh! ) creating a safer and fairer game for everyone.? I've always believed life is a team sport, and the earlier we can get kids playing together, the better. The more they learn about supporting one another, dealing with failure, and finding their individual roles within a team, the better prepared they'll be for the ups and downs of life.

My wife and I recently set up Clara's Corner, our very own soft play area designed for kids up to seven, built using regenerative materials and a philosophy that not everything needs to be perfectly straight-edged. Life isn't straightforward, nor should the spaces we create for kids to play. I believe in managing risk, not sheltering our kids from anything remotely dangerous. By exposing them to challenges – whether a tricky obstacle at soft play or a tough match at the rugby club – they learn courage, teamwork, and how to pick themselves up after a fall. Our soft play area reflects this belief with its deliberately imperfect edges. It's about embracing the bumps along the way and understanding that life, much like sport, is all about how you handle the knocks.

In the spirit of regenerative principles, sports mirror life in that it's not about avoiding difficulties but how we respond to them. Just as regenerative farming works to restore the health of the land, sports work to restore and build our children's strength, confidence, and resilience. Both practices teach the importance of nurturing growth, managing challenges and working together for something greater.

As we raise our young family, I'm more convinced than ever that sports will play a key role in shaping the future generation. Whether through the camaraderie of a rugby match or the creativity sparked in soft play, the lessons kids learn today will set them up for tomorrow. And yes, while there might be the occasional bruise, the long-term rewards far outweigh the risks.

So, here's to the next generation of team players, risk-takers, and courageous kids who aren't afraid to tackle life head-on – quite literally!!

Bye for now,?

James?

PS have you entered into out comp to win a RITTER Gilet? Tap here to enter.??

THE SKINCARE FARMERS?