When we think of children in sport, we often imagine running, scoring, tackling, winning. Yet beneath the visible actions lies a rich network of subtle skills, quietly moulded by the experience of playing. These are the hidden competencies, like reading body language, adjusting to different leadership styles or managing emotion in a team setting, which often outlast the final whistle.

On a chilly December day in 1891, in a small gym in Springfield, Massachusetts, a new sport was born. The man behind it was James Naismith, a Canadian-born physical education instructor at the YMCA Training School, tasked with creating a game that could keep students active indoors during the winter. He hung two peach baskets on the walls and drafted 13 basic rules. Thus, basketball began.

The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup will be remembered not just for the competition but for the records broken, the audiences moved, and the inspiration ignited. From attendance highs to television viewership and cultural resonance, this tournament marked a turning point for women’s rugby and sport more broadly.

Discover essential tips for selecting the ideal youth sports tournament, focusing on safety, logistics, and developmental value to ensure a rewarding experience for young athletes.