Effects of Sports Participation on the Social Well-Being and Academic Performance of Grade 8 Students

Abstract

This study examined the effects of sports participation on the social well-being and academic performance of Grade 8 student-athletes in selected public secondary schools in Binangonan, Rizal for School Year 2025–2026. Employing a descriptive survey research design, the study involved 35 teacher-coaches and 106 student-athletes from nine secondary schools. The respondents were described in terms of demographic and professional profiles, while student-athletes were profiled according to age, sex, family structure, socioeconomic status, and sports participation. A researcher-made questionnaire-checklist and documentary analysis of first quarter grades were used to gather data. Findings revealed that teacher-coaches were mostly middle-aged females with 1–10 years of coaching experience, while student-athletes were predominantly 14-year-old males from medium-sized families with modest family income. Sports participation was perceived to have a positive effect on social well-being in terms of interpersonal skills, concern for others, and self-control, with teachers rating it as “always” and students as “often.” No significant difference was found between the perceptions of the two groups. Certain demographic variables such as teacher-coaches’ age and civil status, and student-athletes’ sex and sibling position showed significant differences in specific social skill domains. The academic performance of student-athletes was very satisfactory, with a mean grade of 87.437. Interpersonal skills and concern for others were significantly related to academic performance, while self-control was not. The study concludes that sports participation enhances selected aspects of social well-being and contributes indirectly to academic success. It is recommended that schools strengthen sports programs that integrate social skills development and provide targeted support for coaches and students. An action plan is likewise proposed to further enhance implementation and ensure balanced development of both academic and social competencies among learners engaged in school sports programs. Future researchers may explore additional variables and wider populations to validate and expand the present findings in similar contexts