Ask a child what they love most about school, and the answer is often
“playtime” or “sports period.” For many children, a match on the field
or a rally on the court is where confidence grows, friendships form and
energy finds an outlet. For parents, choosing a school with genuine
sports opportunities is often as important as choosing one with good
academics.
But how do you tell a real sports programme from a brochure line?
This guide explains what to look for in a school with a sports
academy in Bengaluru East, with examples from the MS Dhoni
Sports Academy at M S Dhoni Global School (MSDGS) in Gunjur. It applies
equally to schools in Varthur and Sarjapur Road. For a wider view of the
area, see our guide to the best CBSE school in
Bengaluru East.
Why Sport
Belongs at the Centre of School Life
Sport is not a distraction from learning. It is part of it. Regular
physical activity supports health, sleep, mood and concentration. Team
games teach cooperation, communication and resilience. Individual sports
teach discipline and self-belief. And for many children, success on the
field gives them confidence that carries back into the classroom.
The National Education Policy 2020 reflects this view by encouraging
holistic development, including physical education, arts and life skills
as part of the core experience. Read more in CBSE and NEP 2020 explained
for parents.
In-School Sport vs. a
Sports Academy
It helps to understand two different layers of sport at a school.
In-school sport
This is the programme every child takes part in as part of the school
day: physical education classes, playground activities and inter-class
events. At MSDGS, the in-school programme includes basketball, tennis,
football, cricket, playground activities, a toddler’s play zone and
chess. It is designed as a structured physical education curriculum that
is inclusive and age-appropriate.
The sports academy
An academy offers deeper, more specialised training, often after
school hours, for children who want to develop a particular sport. The
MS Dhoni Sports Academy runs an after-school programme in cricket,
football, basketball and lawn tennis. The school describes sports
mentors who monitor each player’s growth, advise parents on diet and
tailor training to individual needs.
Both layers matter. The first ensures that every child moves and
plays. The second gives keen players a path to improve.
What the Facilities Look
Like
Space is one of the clearest tests of a sports claim. The MSDGS
infrastructure page describes a sports complex of about two acres,
including:
- Two full-size basketball courts
- A premium synthetic football turf
- Two lawn tennis courts
- A cricket practice area with nets and a pitch
- Age-appropriate sports equipment
The academy page also lists a multipurpose open field, a playground
and a multipurpose hall for indoor activities. When you visit any
school, ask to walk the grounds. Check whether the courts are in use,
whether they are well maintained and whether there is shade and water
for children.
Coaching and Partnerships
Facilities matter, but coaching makes the difference. MSDGS states
the following associations on its sports academy page:
- Basketball: A partnership with the NBA that
provides coaching based on NBA methods, training clinics with NBA
coaches and players, and NBA-themed events. - Football: A collaboration with La Liga for coaches
and training sessions modelled on La Liga teams. - Cricket: An association with the Chennai Super
Kings Academy, providing coaching from former players and skilled
trainers.
These are the school’s own descriptions, and the website does not
give details about schedules, terms or fees. When you visit, ask how
often these partners are on campus, who coaches day to day, and what
qualifications the coaches hold. A good school will answer clearly.
Questions
to Ask About Any School’s Sports Programme
- How many periods of physical education does each class have per
week? - Who coaches each sport, and what are their qualifications?
- Is the academy part of the school fee, or is it separate?
- What are the batch timings and group sizes?
- How are children selected for teams, and is there a place for
beginners? - How does the school protect children from injury? Is a
physiotherapist or nurse available? - Are there inter-school competitions, and how often?
- How does the school balance sport and academics for children with
heavy training?
Add these to your school visit question
list.
Sport, Safety and Health
Active children need good safety systems. Look for first-aid trained
staff, access to a nurse and clear emergency procedures. MSDGS reports
two dedicated infirmary rooms and a resident nurse available throughout
the school day, along with campus-wide CCTV and floor supervisors. The
school also describes a health-first approach, and it notes that sports
mentors advise parents on diet. For more, read our guides on school
safety and security and school health and
hygiene.
Does Your Child Need a
Sports Academy?
Not every child needs specialised coaching, and not every child wants
it. Consider:
- For a beginner: Start with the in-school programme
and let your child try different sports before choosing. - For a keen player: An academy provides structured
practice and competitive exposure. - For a reluctant child: Look for fun, low-pressure
activities such as playground games, yoga or swimming. Our guide to yoga and mindfulness
for school children may help. - For a child with health concerns: Talk to your
paediatrician and the school nurse.
Resist the urge to specialise too early. Children benefit from trying
several sports before they settle on one.
Balancing Sport With Study
Parents sometimes worry that sport will cut into study time. A few
practical tips:
- Plan the week so that training and homework have regular slots.
- Keep sleep protected. Late nights hurt performance on the field and
in class. - Maintain good nutrition and hydration, especially in Bengaluru’s
warmer months. - Build a conversation with the teacher and coach so both know the
child’s load.
Because MSDGS states that external tuition is not advised due to its
methodology, some families find that evenings free up for sport and
family time. Read do CBSE
students need tuition?.
Life Skills Learned on the
Field
Sport teaches lessons that are hard to teach in a classroom.
- Teamwork: learning that individual success depends
on others. - Resilience: losing a match and trying again.
- Discipline: showing up on time and practising
regularly. - Leadership: captaining a team and encouraging
teammates. - Fair play: respecting rules, opponents and
officials.
These align with the school’s focus on values and the Leader In Me
programme. Read more in Leader In Me school
programme explained.
Getting
There: Transport for After-School Training
After-school training raises a practical question: how does your
child get home? Ask whether the school offers a late bus, how it is
supervised and what the cost is. MSDGS runs a fleet of GPS-tracked buses
and one van with attendants and seat belts. The website does not
describe a late-bus schedule for academy sessions, so confirm with the
school. See our school bus safety
checklist.
Choosing the Right
Sport for Your Child
With four sports on offer at the academy, how do you help your child
choose? Consider their temperament and interests.
Cricket suits children who enjoy patience, strategy
and team roles. It involves batting, bowling and fielding, and it offers
many ways to contribute, from spin bowling to quick fielding. It also
rewards concentration over long periods.
Football is ideal for energetic children who love
constant movement. It builds stamina, coordination and teamwork, and it
is simple to play almost anywhere.
Basketball develops agility, jumping, hand-eye
coordination and quick decision-making. It is a good choice for children
who like fast-paced games.
Lawn tennis is an individual sport that builds
focus, footwork and self-reliance. It suits children who like to improve
through personal practice.
Let your child try each sport for a few weeks before committing.
Watch which one makes them smile, even after a tiring session. Enjoyment
is the best predictor of long-term participation.
Sport for
Children Who Think They Are Not Sporty
Many children avoid sport because they fear being judged. A good
programme makes room for every skill level, uses encouraging language
and focuses on personal improvement. Ask the school how it supports
beginners and what happens to children who are not selected for a team.
The best answers talk about participation, practice and fun.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sports
does the MS Dhoni Sports Academy offer?
The after-school programme covers cricket, football, basketball and
lawn tennis.
How many
courts and pitches does the school have?
The facilities list shows two tennis courts, two basketball courts,
one football court and one cricket pitch, within a sports complex of
about two acres.
Is MS Dhoni
personally involved in coaching?
The school describes M S Dhoni as its mentor and inspiration.
Day-to-day coaching is provided by sports mentors and partner
programmes. Please ask the school for details.
Is sport compulsory?
In-school physical education is part of the curriculum. The academy
is an additional after-school option.
See the Grounds
The best way to judge a sports programme is to stand on the field.
Call +91-7599507777 or +91-7599607777, or send an admission enquiry to visit M S Dhoni
Global School. You can also read about the school’s sports facilities and the MS Dhoni Sports Academy.
