In Spain, 68.2% of the population starts playing sports before the age of 15, and 80% of people who play sports partake in more than one discipline. We can say that sports are deeply rooted in Spain, supported by the favourable weather, high-quality public and private sports facilities and a culture that encourages exercise.
Thanks to all these factors, sports have been promoted in Spanish schools for years with personalised plans based on the school year and students’ age. Although there is an ingrained sports culture, it has not yet fully resonated with all students.
In Spain, 68.2% of the population starts playing sports before the age of 15, and 80% of people who play sports partake in more than one discipline. We can say that sports are deeply rooted in Spain, supported by the favourable weather, high-quality public and private sports facilities and a culture that encourages exercise.
Thanks to all these factors, sports have been promoted in Spanish schools for years with personalised plans based on the school year and students’ age. Although there is an ingrained sports culture, it has not yet fully resonated with all students.
What are the most popular sports in Spain?
Football, basketball, cycling, tennis, handball, rhythmic gymnastics and motor sports are the most popular sports to date, with national champions in various fields. Figures like Rafael Nadal in tennis, Fernando Alonso in F1, Marc Márquez in MotoGP, La Liga (Europe’s top-ranked UEFA league), ACB League or Alberto Contador in cycling … There are countless examples that are a true reflection of tradition and practice.
According to the latest data from the Marcet Foundation, endorsed by the Spanish High Council of Sports, over 16 million Spaniards over the age of 14 play sports at some point during their school years. The most popular option is fitness gymnastics, followed by football (including all variations such as futsal, 7-a-side and 11-a-side), swimming, cycling and jogging.
An interesting fact: according to statistics, there are more bicycles than footballs in percentage terms, even though football is far more popular in Spanish schools.
What is sport like in Spanish schools?
In Spain, sport is a compulsory subject at school. This subject is usually based on developing motor skills, endurance, flexibility and coordination. Psychomotricity circuits are often used in early-years education, while the primary and secondary stages focus on learning and playing the main sports.
The Best Schools in Spain have their own excellent facilities where they can play and promote various sports. They take part in municipal, regional and even national competitions, allowing students to potentially join sport federations and compete at a higher level.
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Advantages of participating in sports activities at school
Playing sports helps students develop not only their physical abilities but also their social skills by promoting teamwork and understanding and establishing specific rules for each discipline. Furthermore, exercise boosts self-esteem, a sense of belonging and team spirit.
Sports are an integral part of students’ education as they develop skills and knowledge that contribute to their self-awareness and emotional development and help them adapt to their environment. They learn to share, follow rules and have fun with their peers.
Additionally, school teams may be created to compete in local and national tournaments, representing their school in matches against students from other regions and countries in accordance with the agreements established by the educational institution.
Sports at the Best Schools in Spain
Sports activities at the Best Schools in Spain combine curriculum classes during school hours and extracurricular activities outside the regular schedule. Thanks to the country’s favourable climate, team sports are usually played outdoors.
Likewise, activities such as swimming, tennis or padel are common options. Some schools also provide other sports such as horse riding, skiing, sailing, fencing or motor sports, although they are less frequent due to their specific characteristics.
Finally, for elite athletes, some schools have specific programmes tailored to high-performance athletes and adapt the academic pace to the special requirements of students who participate in national and international competitions and therefore need to dedicate more time to their training
