Taiwan to Stop Adding New Elementary-School Sports Classes and Shift Toward Clubs

Taiwan is moving to reshape its elementary-school sports classes, with the government deciding that schools will no longer add new classes of this type. Existing programs will gradually become more like school clubs and community-based training groups.

The Executive Yuan approved draft amendments to parts of the National Sports Act on the 3rd. Premier Cho Jung-tai directed that the change should protect children’s normal education while avoiding highly intensive, specialized training at too young an age.

The Education Ministry said the transition would happen step by step rather than abolishing sports classes overnight. It plans to work with the Sports Ministry on the system and supporting measures, with a transformation plan due by the end of this year. The ministries are also preparing for a division of school sports responsibilities scheduled to begin on January 1, 2027.

The ministry said the package would address the rights of current sports-class students, the continuation of their training, links to further education and the rights of existing coaches. Officials said the reform is not intended to take away children’s opportunities to train. Instead, students with athletic interests or ability would be able to continue training through different channels while maintaining broader educational options.

Deputy Education Minister Chang Liao Wan-chien previously said the reform would connect school sports with community clubs so more children could experience sports. He said children do not all need to become competitive athletes and should also develop lifelong exercise habits through education. The ministry cited Taiwan baseball captain Chen Chieh-hsien as an example while saying it would review competition and talent-development models, including lessons from Japan.