Exploring the Relationship between Team Sports Participation and Academic Performance in Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

Purpose: The study aimed to investigate the potential correlation between participation in team sports and academic achievement.
 Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low-cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library.
 Findings: The findings revealed that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the relationship between team sports participation and academic performance in Zagreb, Croatia. Preliminary empirical review revealed a positive association between team sports participation and self-regulation skills. Students who engaged in team sports demonstrated higher levels of self-regulation, which, in turn, predicted better academic achievement. Concerns about positive correlation between team sports participation and self-esteem showed that students who engaged in team sports exhibited higher levels of self-esteem, which in turn, predicted better academic achievement. The study suggested that middle schools should promote team sports participation as a means to enhance students' self-esteem, which can positively influence their academic achievement were found in most of the studies reviewed.
 Recommendations: The Self-Determination Theory (SDT) Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) and Achievement Goal Theory (AGT) may be used to anchor future studies on exploring the relationship between team sports participation and academic performance in Zagreb, Croatia. Educational institutions, including schools and colleges, should encourage and support students' participation in team sports. Additionally, educators and coaches should collaborate to foster the development of important skills, such as time management, self-regulation, and self-discipline, which can positively impact academic performance.