Minigolf as an Educational and Sporting Tool
Article written by Professor José Guilherme, responsible for the Minigolf division within School Sports
The growth of Minigolf in the school context has become an increasingly evident reality within the School Sports landscape in Portugal. More than just a competitive sport, Minigolf stands out for its strong educational value, developing skills such as concentration, precision, self-control, and decision-making, making it an inclusive and educational option.
Despite a modest beginning, the sport started to gain greater prominence in the 2012/2013 school year. Growth became particularly significant in 2017/2018, culminating in a record of 220 students registered in 2018/2019. In recent years, participation has stabilized between 109 and 133 students, demonstrating consistent and sustained engagement.
However, the impact of Minigolf in schools goes far beyond the numbers. In several school groups, the sport has evolved from being an occasional activity to playing a strategic role in diversifying the school sports offering. The Oliveirinha School Group is a clear example, having installed Minigolf courses on its premises, allowing for regular training and independent practice throughout the school year.
The Rio Novo do Príncipe School Group, in Cacia, is also developing a project that will culminate in the installation of nine Minigolf courses later this year, further strengthening practice conditions and demonstrating a clear commitment to the growth of the sport in the school environment.
Teachers involved highlight the enthusiasm shown by students, the ease of organizing activities, and the positive atmosphere created during training sessions and competitions. For many schools, Minigolf represents an opportunity to engage students who do not always identify with more traditional sports, contributing to greater participation and inclusion in school sports.
Although challenges remain, such as the need for more dedicated spaces, specific equipment, and ongoing teacher training, the future of Minigolf in the school context appears highly promising. The consistent participation of recent years, combined with investments already made in infrastructure and the growing interest of schools, indicates that the sport will continue to expand.
The current goal is to involve more school groups, create new competitive opportunities, and strengthen the role of Minigolf as an educational, sporting, and social tool capable of promoting not only physical activity but also essential values for the development of young people.
