📝 Exams Done Right 🥇: Why Stopping Sports During Exams Is Not Recommended?

Dear Parents,

As we approach the March 2026 examination period, we completely understand that academics become the top priority in every Indian household. This concern is natural, responsible, and respected.

However, it is equally important to look at what modern education systems, national policies, and global research clearly show about children, exams, and sports participation.

1. India's National Education Policy Supports Sports During Exams

India's National Education Policy 2020 clearly emphasises that:

• Physical education is integral to cognitive development
• Sports must be treated on par with academics
• Regular physical activity improves focus, memory, and learning outcomes
• Holistic development is essential, especially during high-pressure academic phases

In short, India's own education framework does not recommend stopping physical activity during exams.

2. Western Research: Sports During Exams Improves Academic Performance

Multiple long-term studies in Europe and North America show strong evidence that continuing sports during exam periods improves academic results, not harms them.

a) University of Illinois Study (USA)

Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign found that:

• Children who engaged in 60 minutes of physical activity per day showed:
  • Faster information processing
  • Better working memory
  • Higher attention control during tests
• Students performed significantly better in reading and mathematics assessments, even during examination phases.

b) Harvard Medical School & Cognitive Health Research

Research referenced by Harvard Medical School highlights that:

• Aerobic sports like football increase blood flow to the brain
• Physical activity boosts BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor), which improves:
  • Memory retention
  • Learning speed
  • Stress regulation

Their conclusion: "Students who maintain regular physical activity during exams learn more in less time."

c) UK Department for Education & Youth Sport Studies

Large-scale school studies in the UK showed that students who continued organised sports during exam terms:

• Had lower exam anxiety
• Demonstrated better emotional regulation
• Showed higher concentration spans during revision hours

Importantly, no negative correlation was found between sports participation and exam scores.

3. Why Football Specifically Helps During Exams

Football is not random play. It is a structured cognitive sport that develops:

• Decision-making under pressure
• Focus for extended periods
• Emotional control
• Discipline and routine

These qualities directly mirror exam hall requirements.

4. A Common Indian Parent Concern

Concern: "My child will keep thinking about football instead of studies."

Reality observed globally and at our academy:

• When football is completely stopped, children become mentally restless
• Stress levels increase
• Study efficiency reduces

When football continues in a controlled, 1-hour structured format:

• Mental stress is released
• The mind becomes calmer
• Post-training study quality improves
• Children naturally stop thinking about football during study hours.

5. Our Exam-Period Training Philosophy at Whitefield Football Academy

We are not advocating heavy training during exams.

During exam months:

• Sessions are limited to 1 hour
• Physical load is reduced
• Focus is on mental freshness
• No overtraining
• Academics are always prioritised

Our approach aligns with both Indian policy and international best practices.

6. Why Fee Renewal During Exam Season Is Important

Timely fee renewal ensures:

• Continuity of routine (critical during stressful months)
• Secured batch slot for your child
• No post-exam re-adjustment struggles
• Emotional stability and confidence for the child

Sudden breaks often lead to:

• Loss of discipline
• Reduced focus
• Slower academic recovery post exams

7. A Long-Term Perspective for Parents

Indian parents naturally think: "Let exams finish, then we'll see."

However, modern education systems worldwide — including India's own NEP — promote:

• Balance, not extremes
• Discipline through continuity
• Physical health as the foundation for academic excellence

Football is not taking time away from studies. It is improving the quality of study time.

Our Assurance to Parents

• Academics will always be respected
• Exams will always be prioritised
• Training remains safe, structured, and supportive
• Your child's overall development comes first