Just Play
- Marvin Johnson
- Apr 13
- 2 min read
Who can forget the exhilarating rush of grabbing a soccer ball, rugby ball, or cricket set and rallying your friends for an unforgettable game on the weekend or during the holidays?
Close your eyes briefly and visualise the laughter, spirited debates, and fierce competitiveness that fueled your passion for sports.
In those moments, there were no parents, coaches, or officials—just you and your friends, fully immersed in the joy of playing freely in an unstructured environment.
Reflecting on those games in the park or on the street, I recognise that the life skills I developed through unstructured play—problem-solving, organisation, leadership, and respect for others—were genuinely transformative. We created and agreed upon the rules for our competitive games, all driven by our imaginations.
Football Legend Johan Cruyff share his experience on playing in the streets;
While structured play has its merits, it’s clear that the decline of unstructured play has significantly stunted the growth of many young athletes today. It restricts their ability to have fun, express themselves, and genuinely enjoy the game.
Here are four powerful, long-lasting benefits of unstructured play:
Long-Lasting Creativity
Unstructured sports empower young athletes to tap into their imagination and ignite creativity as they engage in the game. This imaginative play hones their problem-solving skills and encourages critical thinking.
Athletic Creativity
Playing sports in an unstructured environment allows young athletes to showcase their individuality and adapt to their surroundings. It allows them to experiment with new moves and skills without being confined by rigid rules and guidelines.
Keep it Fun
At some point, every sport started out with no rules or structure, and those involved just played and were compelled to do so.
Why were they compelled to? Because it was FUN. Young athletes will always have fun when they play on the court or field with their own rules. And we all know that kids will always commit to something when they enjoy it.
No Pressure
We all put pressure on our kids to succeed, and rightfully so. We want the absolute best for them, but in the bigger picture, sometimes taking a step back and allowing them to try new things and develop in their own way will lead to improved results.
Embracing unstructured play is esse
ntial for cultivating confident and well-rounded athletes. Let’s champion the value of free play and its lasting impact on our youth!
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