To play on a sports team, young boys are required to spend significant amounts of time during the day with other boys their age. Not only are they spending a good amount of time with the same boys multiple days during the week, they are doing so under a united goal and interest. When a young boy shares a united interest with his peers, he is less likely to become bored, depressed, isolated or tangled in dangerous or unhealthy activities after school hours.
Once a boy is on a team he most likely will have the goal to win a game, as will the rest of his teammates. In order to win a game in any sport, each member will have to learn the fundamentals of teamwork. This requires each boy on the team to realize that he cannot win a game alone. He must be aware of his teammates' position on the field or court at all times and navigate his position on the team. Learning teamwork through a team sport can help a young person work in teams in school and later on in his work life.
Competition is present in school, internships and work life. Students, staff and employees work hard to prove they are the most committed to getting the job done and doing it well. Playing sports at a young age exposes a person to competition in a healthy and safe environment. Each team member will have to work to outdo his opponents. At the same time, a boy will be protected from injury, verbal aggression and physically violent behavior by a responsible adult coach, assistant coach and referees.
Another aspect of healthy competition is learning to deal with loss. Young people will have to confront the fact that, even in circumstances where they have given their best effort, they might not always win. Rather than quit the sport or respond with sadness or aggression, a young boy can be taught to pick up his head and accept the defeat with dignity. A good coach will teach his boys to be proud of themselves whether they win or lose, and how to assess the loss in order to play better next time.
The athletic skill acquired by practicing and playing a sport multiple times a week can serve a young boy throughout his life. First, he will learn the value of movement and exercise. He will be more likely to continue taking care of his body through exercise, fun physical activity and perhaps nutrition. The skill he learns at an elementary or middle school-level league may prepare him to play at the high school, college and even professional level. At the very least, it will promote a healthy habit in his life from a young age.