Co-curricular activities (CCAs) are an integral part of every student's school life. They aim to give students a holistic education and the opportunity to excel in a non-academic aspect.

However, in many schools, the true spirit of CCA has been replaced by the pursuit of glory. Achievements are more valued; the talented thrive and the weak warm the benches.

It is understandable that coaches favour talented students who have greater potential. It becomes a problem when they lose sight of the other students and sideline them in training.

This segregation is worse in schools with the Direct School Admission programme. When competitions near, non-competing students have their training made optional to free up space for the competing students.

Students choose to join a CCA because of their interest. Being sidelined and branded only as a reserve kills their passion for the CCA and their self-confidence.

Is this the kind of experience we want for our students?

Yau Ying Lin,16

Secondary 4 student

CALLING YOUNG READERS: If you are a student or aged 21 years or below, and want to air your opinion on any report or letter in The Straits Times, e-mail your letter to stforum@sph.com.sg, with the subject header ''Voices of Youth''. Do include your age, school level and contact details, and the headline of the report/letter you refer to. Please keep to a length of 250 words.