This Is My Place
Why belonging matters — in schools, at home, and on the pitch
There’s a simple truth we see again and again when working with children:
When a child feels they belong, they grow.
When they don’t, everything feels harder.
This year’s Children’s Mental Health Week theme, “This is My Place,” invites us to look closely at the spaces children move through every day — schools, homes, communities… and for many children, sports teams.
We know that children don’t thrive because of what they do — they thrive because of how they feel while they’re doing it.
And feeling that you belong?
That changes everything.
What does “belonging” really mean for a child?
Belonging isn’t about being the best player.
It’s not about trophies, positions, or always getting it right.
Belonging is the quiet, steady sense that:
- I am safe here
- I am accepted as I am
- I matter, even when I make mistakes
- There’s a place for me, even on a bad day
For children, this feeling acts like an emotional anchor. When it’s there, they’re more confident, more resilient, and more willing to try. When it’s missing, we often see withdrawal, anger, anxiety, or a child who suddenly “doesn’t want to go anymore.”
And sport — done well — can be one of the strongest places for belonging.
Why sport and teams matter so much
For many children, their team is the first place outside of family and school where they test out who they are.
It’s where they learn:
- How it feels to be relied upon
- What happens when things don’t go their way
- How to cope with mistakes in front of others
- How to be part of something bigger than themselves
Handled thoughtfully, sport becomes a powerful training ground for life — not just physically, but emotionally too.
But belonging doesn’t happen automatically just because children wear the same kit.
It’s created intentionally.
What helps children feel “This is my place” in sport
Here are some simple, powerful ways parents and coaches can build belonging into everyday moments — no special resources needed.
1. Being noticed matters more than being praised
Children don’t need constant praise. They need to be seen.
A quick:
- “I noticed you kept going even when that was tough”
- “I saw how you helped your teammate there”
- “I’m glad you’re here today”
…tells a child you matter to this space.
2. Consistency builds safety
Clear routines, fair rules, and predictable responses help children relax.
When children know:
- What’s expected
- What happens when things go wrong
- That adults stay calm and steady
They feel safe enough to engage fully — not just perform.
3. Mistakes should never threaten belonging
One of the fastest ways children lose confidence is when mistakes feel costly.
Teams that say (through actions, not slogans):
- “You’re still part of us”
- “Errors don’t define you”
- “We learn here, we don’t shame”
Create players who are braver, not more fragile.
4. Every child needs a role
Not every child will be the fastest, strongest or loudest — and that’s okay.
Belonging grows when children know:
- What they contribute
- Why they’re needed
- That their presence has value
Sometimes that role is leadership.
Sometimes it’s effort.
Sometimes it’s kindness.
All of it counts.
5. Adults set the emotional tone
Children take their cues from the grown-ups around them.
A calm coach creates calmer players.
A respectful sideline creates safer teams.
A regulated adult gives children permission to settle.
This doesn’t mean being perfect — it means being aware.
What parents can do at home
Parents play a vital role in reinforcing that sense of “my place.”
You can help by:
- Asking about how your child felt, not just how they played
- Normalising nerves, frustration, and disappointment
- Separating your child’s worth from performance
- Letting sport be a place of growth, not pressure
Children don’t need protecting from challenge — they need reassurance that challenge doesn’t cost them love or belonging.
Why this matters beyond childhood
Children who grow up feeling they belong:
- Are more willing to speak up
- Cope better with setbacks
- Stay engaged when things are hard
- Carry a stronger sense of self into adulthood
Sport has the potential to be one of the most positive influences in a child’s life — when the environment supports the whole child, not just the athlete.
That’s why collaboration matters.
This Children’s Mental Health Week
Let’s make sure every child can say:
“This is my place.”
On the pitch.
In the team.
In their community.
Not because they earned it — but because they belong.
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