Playing sports as a child is very important as it teaches them a lot about the sport and life lessons that are very valuable. Research showcases that playing youth sports can have immediate and long-term benefits for the child and their parents. While the benefits of youth sports are endless, this blog will highlight the key benefits of youth participating in sports.
Benefits Of Youth Sports:
Improves Academic Performance
Some people may think that sports would distract kids from their school work because sports are such a commitment. However, the opposite is accurate; sports require memorization, repetition, and learning, which are very relevant skills in the classroom. Also, sports help develop and improve cognitive skills, according to a study. In sports, kids have to remain active and physical activity is associated with higher academic achievements regarding grades and standardized testing. Playing sports can also affect academic behavior, including enhanced concentration, attention, and improved behavior in the classroom. As kids get older and remain in sports, the benefits of playing increase, as a study states that high school athletes are more likely to get A/A- grades than non-athletes. Playing sports can help your children mainly with their academic development.
Health Benefits
Participating in youth sports provides a variety of health benefits for kids. Sports provide regular physical activity, which is very beneficial because it helps build bone and maintain healthy bones, muscles & joints and prevents or delays high blood pressure. Playing youth sports is also helpful for kids because it helps control weight and reduce fat. This can be seen through a study that states that after-school physical activity programs reduce obesity by 1.8% among children ages 6-12. We have great after-school programs that offer a variety of sports to be played as well as various ways for kids to remain active. On top of all the other health benefits of playing youth sports, a British Journal of Medicine study states that exercising can prevent chronic diseases as effectively as medicine. Youth sports and exercising can also help reduce the risk of 13 different types of cancer, including colon, breast, and liver cancer. Overall the health benefits of youth sports and exercising are overwhelming; we provide incredible camps and after-school programs where your kids can stay active and participate in sports.
Exposes Kids To Positive Role Models
Playing sports at any level requires a fantastic coach to lead the way. Coaches at younger levels must be excellent because they are helping craft a younger person to become a fantastic adult. A coach can help reinforce sports and life skills within a child to help them grow as a player and a person. Sports can help kids find amazing role models that are their coaches, especially if one coach or group of coaches is leading them for many years in a row.
Teaches Teamwork and Problem Solving Skills
Most youth sports available for kids are team-based, so it teaches them how to work together and be a part of a team. Youth sports show kids that it is challenging to win or get things done through individual efforts. Regardless of how skilled or talented a kid is, youth sports showcase that teamwork makes it easier to win and have fun while playing sports. Being a part of a team, you are fighting for a common goal that develops better communication skills to help tackle the targetted goal more efficiently. It showcases how vital communication skills are in working as a team and solving problems. Playing sports teaches and helps develop teamwork and problem-solving skills that kids can use in other facets of life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, youth sports help kids learn new skills and grow as a person. Youth sports are very beneficial for kids, they provide health benefits, improve their academic performance, expose them to positive role models and teach them teamwork and problem-solving skills. If you are interested in getting your kids involved in sports, we have a variety of camps and after-school programs. We also have competitive soccer and basketball teams that your kids can try out for!