As part of this year's Children's University, Dr. Valeria Eckardt took around 160 third to seventh graders on a journey into the world of sports psychology. In her child-friendly lecture ‘Cheering makes you strong – the special power of fans in sport’, the sports psychologist explained why spectators are so important – and what happens when they are absent.  

Through vivid experiments and hands-on exercises, the children learned how cheering, applause, encouragement and boos affect athletes. The children were able to test for themselves how cheering feels and how an audience can change their own performance. The downside was also discussed: what happens when no one is watching? Or when the audience boos and insults you? Dr Eckardt reported on current research findings and drew on examples from today's professional sports. The children learned, for example, that even stars like Jamal Musiala of FC Bayern Munich appreciate and need the support of family, friends and fans.

During the discussion, many children reported on their own experiences at school, sports clubs or music lessons, where the presence of others either inspired or unsettled them. "Fans and social support can play a big role. In some situations, spectators promote motivation and performance, in others they are an obstacle. It depends on our personality, our feelings and thoughts, and the task itself," explained Dr Eckardt. 

The Children's University, a joint event organised by the University of Münster and the Westfälische Nachrichten newspaper, was attended by numerous children in the lecture hall and via livestream.  Further information on the Children's University and future events can be found on the website: www.uni-muenster.de/kinderuni/.