The Influence of Extracurricular Sports Activities on Students' Social Skills

Heka Maya Sari Br Sembiring; Agitated Jesilia Sembiring

Authors

Heka Maya Sari Br Sembiring Universitas Katolik Santo Thomas Author
Agitated Jesilia Sembiring Universitas Katolik Santo Thomas Author

Keywords:

extracurricular sports, social skills, interpersonal communication, teamwork, junior high school

Abstract

This study aims to conceptually and empirically analyze the influence of extracurricular sports activities on the social skills of students at SMP N 1 Medan. Social skills are understood as non-cognitive competencies encompassing interpersonal communication, cooperation, empathy, self-control, and adherence to rules, which play a crucial role in academic success and psychosocial adjustment in adolescents. The study employed a mixed methods approach with a sequential explanatory design. It began with quantitative data collection through a social skills questionnaire from 120 students (both participants and non-participants in extracurricular sports activities), followed by in-depth interviews to enrich the interpretation of the statistical results. Quantitative analysis was conducted using mean difference tests and multiple regression, while qualitative data were analyzed through thematic analysis. The results indicate that participation in extracurricular sports activities has a positive and significant impact on students' social skills, particularly in the dimensions of interpersonal communication, teamwork, and adherence to rules. Qualitative findings revealed that intensive interaction in practice and matches, team dynamics, and the value of sportsmanship provide a context for authentic social learning. Overall, this study confirms that extracurricular sports are a strategic vehicle in developing students' social-emotional competencies and need to be managed in a structured, pedagogical, and sustainable manner by schools.

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