Pride, Perseverance, and a Place to Belong: The Power of Wrestling in Elementary School
What does student growth really look like? For Laurel Eisenberg, Principal at Joseph Brant Public School, it looks like 20 elementary students lacing up their shoes, stepping onto a wrestling mat, and discovering courage, connection, and pride, many for the first time.
Thanks to support from the Ontario Charitable Gaming Association, Beat the Streets launched an after-school wrestling program with students in Grades 4–6, and the impact was immediate.
Why Wrestling?
“Wrestling is a low-cost, low-equipment sport, and in some communities, kids just don’t have access to these kinds of opportunities. That’s what makes this program so important. It’s consistent, it’s high-quality, and it gives kids skills they can take into the classroom, into other areas of their life, and into their future.”
Did You Know?
Low-barrier sports address access gaps: children from lower socioeconomic status (SES) communities participate less in organized activities due to cost and logistical barriers (Source).
Outcomes of structured after-school sports include stronger leadership, social skills, confidence, teamwork, and resilience (Source).
Student Growth in Action
“I’ve seen increased focus in the classroom from some of the students in the wrestling program — increased confidence, willingness to take risks, and real growth. Some were shy and apprehensive at first, but once they had the opportunity to compete, they really began to thrive.”
“The perseverance I’ve seen each week is inspiring. Regardless of any challenges students may face, they continue to show up, and you can see the pride they take in that.”
Did You Know?
Youth sports link to better academics & self-belief, as structured physical activity promotes focus and self-efficacy (Source).
Sports participation strengthens resilience—school-based sport programs have been shown to enhance self-esteem, problem-solving skills, and coping abilities.
Girls in Wrestling
Positive female role models
“What really surprised me was the number of girls who embraced the program. Their enthusiasm, their desire to compete — it was incredible. I think it speaks to the impact of having strong female role models as coaches. That visibility made a huge difference.”
Did You Know?
Girls’ wrestling is the fastest-growing high school girls’ sport, with participant numbers increasing over 28% in the U.S. last year (source).
Across the U.S., the number of girls in wrestling has quadrupled or quintupled in the past decade, and now there are ~49,000 female high school wrestlers, a 55% year-over-year increase.
Role models fuel participation: supportive female coaching all but guarantees girls stay engaged in sport .
Family Engagement That Lasts
“Some parents were apprehensive at first. But their children's excitement convinced them to give it a chance. By the time the tournament came around, those same parents were attending, cheering, and incredibly proud.”
A Real Team, A Real Community
“It’s a very diverse group of students — academically, socially, emotionally, and athletically. I honestly don’t think I would’ve seen this mix of students coming together through any other sport or team at the school. The relationships they’ve built — with each other and with the coaches — are strong.”
Did You Know?
Team sports combat isolation and improve mental health among youth (source).
Diverse peer interaction cultivates empathy and connection, critical for school and life outcomes.
Lasting Impact
“The lasting impact is confidence, perseverance, and the ability to take risks. The individualized coaching and differentiated support really allow students to thrive as individuals. I would highly recommend this program to other educators.”
A Note to Educators
Inspired by what you’ve read? Want to bring Beat the Streets to your school?
We partner with schools across Toronto to deliver high-impact, low-barrier wrestling and leadership programs that help students grow strong — inside and out.
Contact us to learn more about bringing BTS to your school.
Thank You to OCGA
This program was made possible through the generous support of the Ontario Community Grants Association (OCGA). Their commitment to equity, access, and inclusive youth development is helping kids across the province thrive.
About Beat the Streets:
At Beat the Streets, our mission is to advance the education of low-income children and youth in the Greater Toronto Area through fun and unique wrestling, life skills, and employment-based development programs. Since 2015, we have served over 28,000 young individuals through our Wrestle 4 Fun, Level Up, You Grow Girl, Work it Girl, After-School and Open Mat Sessions programs, providing them with opportunities to develop their physical, mental, and social well-being. We believe in empowering the next generation by breaking down barriers and creating pathways to success.
Join us in our mission to impact youth:
Join us in making a difference by supporting our cause and learning more about how you can contribute to the education and growth of children and youth in need. Together, we can shape a brighter future for all.
