There are several global processes that affect the development of Sports. One of these processes is the disintegration of the Soviet bloc. Despite this, the international order has continued to exist, dividing nations into core, semi-peripheral and peripheral blocs based on politics, economics and culture. For instance, the core sports world comprises the United States, Japan, Australia and South Korea, while the periphery includes most African and Asian nations.
Participating in sports provides many benefits for children. In addition to physical exercise, they can learn important life skills, make friends and improve self-esteem. Moreover, sports develop skills like teamwork and cooperation, which are important for a successful and happy life. Also, sports encourage the growth of industries related to sports, which create jobs and boost the economy. These benefits of Sports extend beyond the physical realm. Therefore, sports participation is important for young people and for society as a whole.
Modern forms of Sports developed in the late 17th century in Britain. During the Restoration, traditional pastimes were suppressed and driven underground, but later developed into organized sports. The Marylebone Cricket Club, founded in 1787, led the way in developing cricket, the first sport in the modern world. In the late 18th century, sports began to spread beyond the English countryside and into other parts of the world. Many universities developed sports-related faculties.