Abstract

This study assessed the levels of interest, self-assessed knowledge, and confidence among pre-service elementary teachers (PSETs) at Benguet State University–La Trinidad Campus in handling common school sports. Amidst global declines in youth sports participation and the growing emphasis on physical education in the Philippines, evaluating PSETs’ readiness is critical to improving sports instruction quality. Using a quantitative one-shot survey with a five-point Likert scale, findings revealed generally low levels of interest (M = 2.40), self-assessed knowledge (M = 2.16), and confidence (M = 2.15), with badminton and volleyball leading in ranking and traditional sports like ‘sepak takraw’ ranking lowest. Significant positive correlations among these variables underscored their interdependence, aligning with Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory, which highlights reciprocal interactions between motivation, knowledge acquisition, and confidence building. The results emphasize the need for early sports exposure, interest-driven pedagogical strategies, continuous professional development, and practical mentoring to strengthen PSETs’ competence and self-efficacy. In the Philippine context, deploying graduates of Bachelor of Physical Education programs across educational levels is highly encouraged to address gaps in specialized instruction. This study provides actionable insights for curriculum enhancement, teacher preparation, and policy reform aimed at fostering effective physical education delivery and promoting holistic student development through sustained physical activity. Future research with larger, diverse samples is recommended to inform broader educational reforms.