sports

September 19, 2025

Finding balance with fitness and social media

Every day, millions of boys and young men scroll through Instagram and TikTok, envying influencers in their seemingly perfect lives who have the toned, fit body that they are after. Whether they are flexing their muscles in the mirror or taking us through their day, these influencers are inspiring us to get fit, get on the ‘grind’, and look a particular way.

17-year-old Elias discusses the impact of social media on young men trying to get fit, and where the lines need to be drawn

September 12, 2025

Five of the most bizarre football retirements you’ve never heard of

Football is a pretty unpredictable game, but some stories do tend to follow a certain script. A young, talented player emerges, and everyone immediately starts calling them ‘the next big thing’. The media attention, the massive contracts, the pressure to perform week in and week out – it’s a lot to ask. And for some, it proves too much. They reach the pinnacle of their careers and decide to walk away for reasons that have nothing to do with injuries or a loss of form.

16-year-old Sofia Vorobei explores the many and varied reasons that footballers give up the game

August 22, 2025

Can football survive the AI takeover?

16-year-old Sofia Vorobei asks if the use of AI will destroy what makes football so special

August 10, 2025

Coaches’ pressure can ruin athletes. I learned that the hard way

Until sports organisations enforce policies like independent medical clearance, mandatory mental-health check-ins, and formal use of readiness scales, this cycle of harm will keep going.

17-year-old Katie Chen argues that athletes need more empathy from coaches in their recovery process

August 10, 2025

The lesson I learned from falling apart

The worst part about this was that football began to feel like a task. I had lost the fire, the shine and the energy I used to have. I lost that excitement of waking up early on game day. I lost those ceaseless butterflies that come right before the whistle starts the match. I lost that hustle and ‘need’ to be better than everyone else whether that was training or matches.

18-year-old Elias Malmqvist reflects on his journey with football

August 08, 2025

Europe faces talent drain as young basketball stars flee to the US

European basketball is at a crossroads. Top Spanish clubs such as Real Madrid and FC Barcelona are reportedly considering closing their youth academies, thanks to the drain of talent from Europe to the United States.

16-year-old Sofia Vorobei explains why European basketball is suffering from competition with the NCAA

July 17, 2025

Spain dominate women’s football – but you wouldn’t know it

In Spain, football culture is huge. There hasn’t been a single day at school when I haven’t heard a conversation about it or taken part in one. Even if you’re not into the sport, you’ll still know what’s happening.

16-year-old Sofia Vorobei asks why women’s football doesn’t get the attention it deserves, as Women’s Euro 2025 kicks off

June 06, 2025

David 1, Goliath 0: Palace stun City in FA Cup final

Crystal Palace fans arrived at the 2024/25 FA Cup final on 17 May, clinging to hope but fully aware of the challenge ahead. After all, they were facing Manchester City, one of England’s (and the world’s) most dominant and influential football clubs, and a side hardly known for generosity on big occasions.

16-year-old Sofia Vorobei dissects the footballing drama of this year’s FA Cup Final

May 02, 2025

From oil rigs to offsides: Saudi Arabia’s 2034 FIFA World Cup comes at a cost

In October 2023, Saudi Arabia was announced as the host for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. For some, it was a celebratory moment – proof that the kingdom had cemented itself as a rising giant on the international sports stage. For others, it was the latest chapter in what critics term a “sportswashing” campaign: using sport as a way of deflecting attention from human rights abuses

16-year-old Arnav Maheshwari explores how Saudi Arabia’s football dreams link to money, power and human rights

April 11, 2025

How skiers and snowboarders are adapting to climate change

Due to the war in my home country, I moved to Copenhagen 18 months ago, and decided to try freestyle snowboarding - a branch of snowboarding that includes tricks on various obstacles and big air jumps. I found sessions at CopenHill, an artificial ski slope in the middle of the city. After meeting many other free skiers and snowboarders, I realised how popular dry-slope skiing is becoming and that it is directly linked to climate change

17-year-old Varvara Tkachenko explains how she’s learned to love snowboarding on an artificial slope

March 28, 2025

Afghan women fight for sport amid digital distractions

For Afghan women, sport has long provided a rare opportunity to break free from societal constraints. Amid traditional pressures and limited freedoms, participating in sport promotes physical health and offers self-expression and empowerment. However, two significant challenges – societal restrictions and digital distractions – threaten to limit their participation

17-year-old Sama explains the barriers preventing Afghan girls from getting involved in sport

March 13, 2025

Redefining femininity: Who is rugby and TikTok star Ilona Maher?

Say hello to Ilona Maher, a 28-year-old American rugby player and TikTok star, who has captured hearts worldwide. Recently, she gained recognition as the runner-up of the US show Dancing with the Stars, an American dancing competition

17-year-old Maria Mitko profiles the US Olympic athlete, an inspiration for girls worldwide

January 03, 2025

Dreaming big: three teenagers join Sri Lanka’s women’s football team

Three talented young girls from a rural seaside village in Sri Lanka have joined the country’s under-17 national women’s football team in a triumphant conclusion to a story about beating the odds

15-year old Hesandi Ravisinghe talks to a trio of inspiring players from a seaside village

December 19, 2024

Best of 2024: Five must-read articles from the Society section

2024 has been a pretty chaotic year for us here on Earth. In each corner of our own little societies, whether you’re reading from Asia, the Americas, Europe and beyond, we’ve each had a lot on our plate (on top of your no doubt already busy lives, of course). We’ve seen multiple contentious elections, some excellent movies, the MET Gala, the many different perspectives of Gen Z and everything in between

18-year-old Christian Yeung shines a spotlight on his favourite Society articles from the past year

October 10, 2024

Exercise is not a cure-all: we should support mental health with compassion, not pressure

Exercise is often praised as a natural mood booster, and research shows that physical activity can improve mental well-being. But we need to approach the subject with more sensitivity, as not everyone can simply ‘get moving’

16 year-old Anna Wilkin explores the complex relationship between exercise and well-being

September 02, 2024

Issues professional athletes face from the perspective of a young figure skater

Figure skating is my life and biggest passion, but I almost quit because of the pressures I had to deal with as a young athlete. Many people I have come across share similar feelings about the highs and lows of figure skating. But they wouldn’t give it up for the world

15 year-old Helena Ruszkowska takes us behind the scenes in the world of ice-skating competitions and the pressures young athletes face

August 08, 2024

Capitalism and football – How Gen Z could influence high value deals

With a growing emphasis on environmental awareness and eco-friendly practices, we may see clubs align with sponsors focusing on green initiatives, reflecting the socially responsible spirit of modern sports

17 year-old Elias Malmqvist on how clubs and companies go hand-in-hand when it comes to business, and how youngsters can get involved

August 08, 2024

How to start and keep a healthy diet without feeling overwhelmed

A balanced diet, rich in essential nutrients, enhances immune defence and promotes overall vitality. However, contemporary diets trends increasingly lean towards fast foods and processed items which has resulted in a surge of health issues

15 year-old Oliver Stachowiak examines the harms of added sugars offering steps for a balanced diet without feeling deprived

August 03, 2024

Does academic pressure prevent athletic passion?

Academics has long been deemed the most important factor in our development and future. We cannot let academic pressures prevent athletic passion for any longer. How was it possible that we students who played on the sport teams were faced with great pressure to excel academically before anything else

17 year-old Elias dives into how academic pressure affects young athletic dreams

July 10, 2024

Bronny James: nature, nurture, or nepotism?

A namesake can be positive, as it is a constant reminder of someone important to one’s parents. However, it does not always play out the way one’s parents thought it would, oftentimes being a burden to the child to live up to certain expectations

16 year-old Noah Saphier on Bronny James joining the Los Angeles Lakers

May 09, 2024

Are NBA referees killing the game of basketball?

From players making ‘money’ gestures to the referees, coaches angrily discussing film on laptops during press conferences, and even the league’s own Officiating Last Two-Minute Reports commonly displaying multiple incorrect calls, the state of basketball refereeing is incredibly dire. There needs to be more accountability for consistently inaccurate officiating

17 year-old Inika Singh explains the controversies surrounding NBA officiating

April 18, 2024

Esports is a sport. Period

Despite its rapid growth, competitive online gaming isn't given the same respect as basketball or football, with many still believing it is just an activity for lazy nerds sitting in their mom's basement. So why should esports be considered a sport?

17 year-old Christian Yeung on the acknowledgment that esports deserves

March 22, 2024

Ways to maintain a healthy and balance lifestyle

Taking time to focus on our habits, our lifestyle choices, and what we put into our bodies, can be difficult and sometimes confronting but taking care of yourself is important undertaking

16 year-old Swita shares her guide to living a healthier lifestyle

March 01, 2024

From stadiums to screens: the alarming rise of racism in football

With the ongoing 2023–24 football season, it becomes crucial to address instances of racism, which were one of the most commonly reported forms of discrimination last season

16 year-old Isaaq Hussain on persistent racism in football

December 15, 2023

We need to break the mental health stigma in football. Here is why

Mental health among football players is overlooked, despite being equally vital as their performance on the pitch. I strongly believe it deserves equal attention and recognition

16 year-old Isaaq Hussain argues against the culture of mental health suppression in football

September 08, 2023

Why are more football stars making the move to Saudi Arabia?

While also stirring up controversy, the Saudi league has been growing at an insane rate and has attracted numerous big names, including the likes of Ronaldo

15 year-old Isaaq Hussain on the international transfer market

August 14, 2023

How samurai traditions live on through Kendo - a sport rooted in ancient Japanese culture

“The cultural and ceremonial aspects of Kendo hold great importance. Kendo represents not only a sport or technique but also embodies a martial art rooted in rich history and tradition. It reflects the enduring spirit passed down through generations”

15 year-old Noah Saphier shares valuable lessons from Kato Sensei

August 09, 2023

Women’s World Cup inspiring a new generation of girls into the sport

The Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand is on track to receive the highest attendance numbers for the tournament to date, with interest in the women’s game on the rise

15 year-old Isaaq Hussain covers the recent historic achievements of the sport

August 09, 2023

Is soccer taking over football? Messi’s success brings Inter Miami CF 13 million Instagram followers

In the past, MLS in the US has not been taken seriously in the football world. However, with the help of Messi bringing the media and football stars' attention, change is seemingly on the horizon

15 year-old Noah Saphier on the rise of Major League Soccer

August 07, 2023

IFSC weighs in on athlete eating disorder concerns following criticism

As a sport where you have to fight gravity, climbing has a high percentage of eating disorders. The IFSC has responded to climbers and former members of its medical committee speaking out about outdated health standards in competitive climbing

17 year-old Sofiya Tkachenko on the response from athletes and the medical community

August 06, 2023

Russian athletes are once again showing disrespect and officials are doing nothing about it

Disrespect towards Ukrainians from Russians is an everyday occurrence everywhere in the world and this time it was present at an international sports arena

17 year-old Sofiya Tkachenko on the politics of sportsmanship

August 11, 2022

United shock, Jesus to flourish under Arteta

Anticipation for the Premier League has now kicked off, with devoted fans eager to find out how their team will do this season

16 year-old Timur Boranbayev gives his predictions for the upcoming Premiership season

August 09, 2022

Canada takes gold in beach volleyball at the Commonwealth Games

"This holds a lot of weight because it has been four years since our last one and a lot can change - a lot of teams have improved," said Humana-Paredes following the match

Grace Whitehouse reports on the women’s gold and bronze medal matches at the Birmingham final

August 08, 2022

Women’s Euro 2022, a success and an inspiration to the female youth

It is very refreshing to see how female sport is gaining more recognition and the respect it deserves. Women's football is the fastest growing sport in the UK, and it will be interesting to see how female athletes and sport will develop over the next decade

Timur and Sofiya report on public opinions towards Lionesses’ win in the final

January 20, 2022

Trailblazer. How Yip Pin Xiu’s swimming career broke the silence on disability in Singapore

Things are changing, and they are changing fast. Arguably, the rise of Singaporean Paralympic champions has played the most imperative role in catalysing the change of societal attitudes towards people with disabilities. Yip Pin Xiu stands out of this group - in order to recognise her and her feats, Singapore had to finally look in the mirror.

Jinn Ong portraits Singapore's most decorated Paralympian

November 12, 2021

How a Chinese boy Who’d Never Heard of Football Fell in Love with the Sport

During Wolcott’s first possession, we completely locked them up. I was so focused that all of a sudden it was like I knew how to play football. I was breaking ankles the whole first half, and I didn’t drop a single ball.

Dylan Yip reflects on the oddly shaped ball which put the team together at Milton Academy

August 24, 2021

For equality’s sake, Paralympics and Olympics should be united

Although it is hard to imagine, there was also a time when women were not included in the Olympics - yet, in 2021 we do not hold separate games for male and female athletes.

Jinn Ong argues for one Games for all athletes

August 17, 2021

Paralympic medalist Theresa Goh: ‘I was thinking: do I have to quit swimming and find a job?’

“I have seen a lot of change. Previously, newspapers used to place athletes with disabilities in the home section, now they are actually placing us in the sports section.”

Jinn Ong sits with Singaporean Paralympic swimmer Theresa Goh to discuss inclusivity and equality

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