Most kids love playing sports in a team. Turns out, there are many benefits (both physical and mental) that young athletes can enjoy when playing team sports.
Confidence boost
Kids often feel a boost in confidence when they feel they are part of a group. Team sports give kids an opportunity to learn and try new skills; and then work with their team to put those skills to work during a game. The support that comes from teammates can go a long way towards developing a child’s self-confidence, which then encourages them to keep trying and pushing themselves even further.
Sharing is caring
Learning how to work with a team is an invaluable lesson that will serve kids well throughout their lives. When they feel the encouragement of those around them, kids will often give that same support to their teammates in return. This concept of sharing and motivating one another helps kids as they develop relationships and navigate many areas of their lives; through childhood and later on in life.
Learning how to win... and lose
Team sports offer a way for kids to learn how to win and how to lose. It can be very difficult to accept defeat, but a key element of training for team sports is learning how to maintain a good attitude, even when things don’t go your way. Teams teach the importance of shaking hands with the opposing team after a game and accepting the fact that there is always going to be a winning team and a losing team. Being a gracious winner is equally important and most coaches will encourage their team to be supportive of all players, regardless of the final outcome of the game.
Acquiring new skills
When kids are playing with a team, they will often feel encouraged to try new skills in their sport. Watching others practice and play the game can be inspiring for young athletes who want to improve their own performance. Coaches encourage kids to push their own perceived limits and to learn to master new skills in their sport so they can support their team.
Discipline and accountability
Being part of a team means you are automatically accountable to others. This type of structure can be beneficial to kids who might otherwise take their sport or training less seriously. Coaches encourage kids to show respect for the game and for their fellow teammates. Kids learn to show up on time with the appropriate gear, to follow the rules and to make an effort to be a positive influence on those around them. These lessons of discipline and accountability serve kids well in all areas of their lives.
Time away from screens
These days, kids are inundated with games and activities (including full school days!) that take place online. Spending too much time staring at a screen is not good for anyone—especially young kids who have a lot of energy to burn. Participating in team sports is an excellent way for kids to reconnect with others and spend quality time away from their screens. Forming real bonds with other kids their age will have a lasting impact on their overall sense of well-being.
Being active and having fun!
Most kids really enjoy being active. Playing a team sport is a great way for them to keep moving as practices and games fill their schedules and keep them on-the-go. Kids may also get really passionate about their sport and choose to spend a lot of their free time working on perfecting the skills they need for the game. Finally, playing is a huge part of kids’ lives and playing a team sport is just another way for them to connect with one another, learn new things and have a blast!
