71. Game Changers: How Sport Helps Kids to Thrive

In this episode of The Parent-Teacher Project, we speak with Nick Giorgiou, Head of Sport at Redfield College, father of four, and lifelong athlete, about how sport can shape the character of young people and help them thrive in today's world. 

Nick shares how discipline, resilience, teamwork, and emotional intelligence learned through sport extend far beyond the playing field. He reflects on the life lessons that come from both victory and failure, and how sport offers young people a powerful space to grow in confidence, connection, and character. 

Discussion Points:  

1. The Role of Sport in Character Formation 

Nick explains how sport helps young people grow essential virtues such as perseverance, generosity, and self-mastery—traits that prepare them for challenges in school and life. 

2. Learning from Failure and Building Resilience 

From missed goals to lost games, Nick highlights how setbacks teach valuable lessons about perseverance, humility, and growth. 

3. The Power of Teamwork and Communication 

Sport creates opportunities to work with others, develop leadership, and learn how to move together toward a common goal—even with people you might not always agree with. 

4. Emotional Intelligence on the Field 

Nick discusses how emotional regulation, self-awareness, and reading others' emotions are as crucial to success as physical skill—and how coaches and parents can nurture these qualities.