Team sport is a great way for young people to develop physical fitness and to build social networks. It also has a positive effect on emotional and psychological development and helps youngsters deal with the challenges of life. Research has found that participation in sports increases long-term happiness, but this may be partly due to the sense of identity and belonging that sport offers participants. Participation in team sports is also linked to improved mental health and greater resilience to the stress of modern living, as well as higher grades at school and lower risk-taking behaviours such as substance abuse.
A team sport requires a child to learn how to cooperate with his teammates, and that he has to put the good of the team ahead of his own individual goals. This is not always easy, particularly in a competitive environment such as the world of sport.
The demands of playing a team sport can require a considerable time commitment. A boy might have to attend practice twice a week, play games on the weekend and go to school or work during the rest of the week. This requires a degree of time management skills that will serve him well later in life, when he might be juggling several different jobs and responsibilities.
Team sports also help children to develop their leadership skills. They allow them to be surrounded by competitive individuals who are willing to teach them how to win and lose, while at the same time offering them positive role models who they can look up to. They also teach them how to interact with coaches and other adults in a positive manner, which will help them in the future workplace and other areas of life.
Children who participate in team sports are less likely to be idle, and they spend a lot of their free time around other children with similar interests and goals. They are also more likely to be physically active, which is an important factor in preventing obesity and other lifestyle diseases. Besides, team sport teaches them vital lessons about positively approaching setbacks and working tirelessly to achieve their goals.
Whether you want to get your kids moving or you are just looking for an excuse to ditch the TV and get outside, there’s a team sport out there that is right for them. From the classics like football and basketball, to the not-so-traditional ones such as Ultimate, these sports offer a wide range of pedagogical benefits for children. So, read on to discover why you should consider signing your kids up for a team sport.