Values and life skills: Definition and importance in physical education and sports

Values are the principles that act as guides to desirable behaviours. Life skills, such as teamwork and communication, help individuals to succeed in the different environments in which they live. Values differ from life skills in that they provide an ethical foundation upon which life skills can be applied, while life skills are the actions and behaviours that allow an individual to navigate challenges in life. The development of values and life skills promotes positive youth development and prepares children and adolescents for the future. With physical education and sport (PES) being a conducive setting to develop values and life skills and values this chapter aims to discuss what values and life skills are, the similarities and differences between them, and how both are relevant to educators in the context of PES.