Playing sports gives kids a team to belong to and the chance to learn how to work with others for a common goal. Because of the group dynamic, skills such as cooperation and leadership are developed in young athletes. Participation helps players work together to learn how to handle both success and failure.
Because of the physical health benefits and the chance to be involved, sports help kids to develop a positive opinion of themselves and their bodies. By avoiding problems such as being overweight, kids tend toward higher self-esteem. That in turn will make them less likely to turn to drugs and alcohol to combat a low opinion of themselves. Athletic participation also helps relieve stress and reduce the risk for depression.
Researchers have found significant evidence of the importance of sports to young girls. The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports reports many developmental benefits for girls who participate in youth sports, including increased self-esteem and self-confidence, healthier body image, significant experiences of competency and success, as well as reduced risk of chronic disease.
Since students are required to achieve certain grades to stay eligible to participate, sports encourage a higher level of academic achievement. But that is not the only way that sports support academics. Sports engage the children completely. They are involved physically, mentally, socially and emotionally, and that development helps young people in the classroom.
Goal-setting and discipline are two areas of focus that are greatly enhanced when young people participate in athletics. Learning early to set goals, and then do the work that is necessary to be successful, teaches youngsters that they can do difficult things.
When playing sports, as when playing games, kids figure out what it means to play by the rules. They also learn that not following the rules can create a chaotic situation for the entire group.
The types of thinking and motor skill development that help students excel in math and science play a big part in sports. As kids learn the best way to run a play to score a touchdown, a basket or a goal, they learn how to train their minds to work through difficult questions and find answers.
Participation in sports and having positive experiences with physical activities can have a major impact on long-term quality of life. Kids who learn to enjoy being active will be more likely to exercise through their teenage years and on into adulthood, thus increasing their chances for healthy lives.