From football to basketball, track & field to competitive swim, the sports available in your community may differ based on your specific location, climate, favorite local pastimes and many other factors. But when it comes to youth sports, even though the offerings may differ, your children participating is of the utmost importance.
Why is Youth Sports Important? Sport provides children with an outlet, ability to burn energy, character development opportunities, strengthens muscles and bones, a social circle, how to work within a team and positive role models to look up too in coaches and managers.
Even though parents only have so many hours in the day, and they want to make sure any extra-circular options they choose to pursue are worth it, we’ve listed out 21 reasons why participation in youth sports is important for children and well worth the time spent!
1. Character Development
We’ve all heard it before but it’s certainly true: youth sports teaches invaluable traits and skills needed throughout life such as teamwork, cooperation, team spirit, patience, dedication, commitment and goal-setting.
These commonly taught points of character education are essential for ones growth and development.
2. Provides Identity & Purpose
Participation in sports gives kids an identity and purpose outside the school or family. It gives them something to look forward to, work towards and achieve.
In addition, the team offers a place to belong, a new family unit and environment to work through the unique group dynamics of a team as well as feeling like part of a community.
This helps bring a sense of belonging and purpose to kids who may not otherwise have it.
3. Youth Sports Keeps Kids Out Of Trouble
Participation in youth sports offers many kids a distraction from business you’d rather have them not involved with and keeps them out of trouble – particularly for kids in at-risk homes or communities.
Kids with turbulent and unstable home lives are able to find a comfortable and stable environment in the team and an adult to look up too in the coach.
It also takes their minds off of what is happening at home and gives them something to look forward to.
The hours spent practicing, training and competing in sport means less hours spent allowing their mind to wander into areas it shouldn’t.
4. Keeps Kids Accountable
School-based academic teams (and even some community programs) often require students to maintain good grades and consistent attendance in order to participate.
Kids and teens can’t slack off on their academics or continually skip school if they still want to be a part of the team.
5. Appropriate Outlet For Kinetic Energy
Particularly in younger children who have trouble sitting still all day in class. Participation in a sport means being able to get up and move their bodies in a structured environment where they have permission to run, jump and play.
Many sports practices incorporate games, drills and other activities that lets highly active children really blow off some steam. Parents, you’ll thank me later when home life becomes much more settled!
6. Sport Builds Motor Skills
More of a benefit in younger children, participating in sports builds crucial motor skills and hand-eye coordination. This is why beginner sports programs all the way down to the toddler level are becoming more and more popular.
7. Social Benefits
Youth sports, particularly those offered in the community, offer a unique opportunity to be around other kids of varying age groups, family dynamics, ethnic backgrounds and genders.
Kids on a sports team are exposed to a diverse group of other children outside of the rigid school environment where they can work through social skills such as determining social hierarchy, developing leadership skills and overcoming shyness.
Even participation in school-affiliated sports offers these benefits, although a church or neighborhood team may offer exposure to more diversity than a school team.
8. Disciplined Environment
The structure and routine of games and practices teach kids both discipline and accountability to a leader.
Kids learn firsthand the importance of following the rules such as always wearing a helmet when riding their horse or staying safe on the field.
9. Youth Sports Exposes Kids to Positive Role Models
A coach can help teach or reinforce concepts that a child may struggle to pick up from their parents alone – especially in those teenage years when certain kids believe their parents aren’t cool anymore!
Having a role model and confidant outside of the home benefits both children and parents.
10. Teamwork
It may sound cliché, but the importance of teamwork cannot be overstated.
Being part of a team teaches kids a variety of things such as learning how to trust teammates, depend on others, build relationships, ask for and accept help, show compassion to others and extend a helping hand when needed.
In addition, having a support system of their peers is especially vital as children and teens grow into young adulthood.
Related: The Complete Coaches Guide to Building Team Culture In Sport
11. Handling Adversity
It is crucial for kids to learn how to appropriately handle a loss, deal with disappointment and learn to persevere through struggles.
In addition, youth sports help kids learn productive ways to deal with jealousy of other rival competing teams, individuals or even teammates.
12. Competitive Edge
Consistent participation in youth sport can provide children a competitive edge over others when submitting college or job applicants in the teen and young adult years. Not to mention the potential for scholarships monies which some parents will see as a HUGE benefit.
13. Brings Opportunities
In addition to participation in regular games, chances for individual awards and participation in other competitions – there are often other unique benefits that come from being active in a youth sport. These include the chance to travel for tournaments, make new friends and attend sports camps.
Some kids may even have opportunities to represent their community on a national or international level. (Think of how Olympic athletes are often rallied around by their friends and neighbors back in their hometowns!)
14. Gives Parents A Break
This ones for you guys!
Despite all of the driving and waking up early for games and practices, parents do get a chance to relax on the sidelines for a few hours while someone else takes the reigns over their child’s physical, mental & social development and education.
This can be a welcome relief for those who wish to provide their children with more positive role models outside of the home.
Related: Obnoxious Youth Sports Parents: Your Role As Coach
15. Sports Strengthens The Community…And The Family
When a child is part of a sports team, it helps connect the entire family to the local community.
Years of game days, afterschool practices, celebratory dinners, awards ceremonies and carpooling with others on the team creates endless bonding opportunities and really solidifies children AND parents to others in their neighborhood – and each other.
When your kids see you actively participating in their athletic endeavors, making sacrifices as a family and cheering them on – most tend to feel more valued and loved.
16. Creates Healthier Kids
The benefits of participating in youth sports activities reach far beyond just weight maintenance or reduction.
Bones, muscles and joints are all strengthened when kids are active.
Participating in youth sports helps kids learn habits such as adequate hydration, stretching before exercise, eating a healthy diet and staying active. Building healthy habits now can also help protect against chronic diseases when they’re older.
Related: How Can Poor Coaching Cause Injuries in Youth Sports?
In some cases, such as swim or karate, youth sports also produce a safer child who is physically fit and knowledgeable enough to protect themselves in a dangerous situation.
The health screenings and yearly physical exams usually required by many athletics programs also help catch many potential health issues early on.
17. Builds Self-Esteem & Guards Against Depression
Both the physical and emotional benefits of keeping active and participating on a team help protect little brains and minds against feelings of depression.
The endorphins released during physical activity lift a sour disposition and aid in fighting away negative feelings.
Staying active boosts mood, memory, focus and even the immune system!
18. Enforces a “Growth Mindset”
The ups and downs of youth sports teach kids that “if something is too hard for me today, I can still achieve it tomorrow through hard work, practice and discipline”.
That kind of confidence extends far beyond the playing field into academics, future employment and even relationships.
19. Helps Kids Work Through Disappointments
Even the best team doesn’t always win, and even the best athlete experiences setbacks.
Everything a child experiences in sports teaches them lessons, as well as helping develop their personality and character. It’s not always about winning and success – even failure can be transformative.
20. Helps Kids Learn About Themselves
Through participation in youth sports, kids learn invaluable lessons about the world around them – and about themselves!
They learn about their natural talents and abilities, what they like and don’t like and how they react to trials.
These hard-fought lessons and newly discovered passions are something they will carry into adulthood as a more confident individual.
21. Kids Have Fun!
Last but not least… it’s fun!! 😉
Kids like sports because they are enjoyable to participate in. We all need a hobby, even kids! So don’t be surprised if during the off-season your kids complain of boredom. But that is when a mutli-sport athlete starts to gain traction…
Summary: Why Is Youth Sports Important? 21 Reasons Why Kids Should Participate
Whether you’re a coach, parent or student reading this article – we hope we’ve provided you some great points on why youth sports is important! The benefits of youth sports are endless – and it’s our great hope that you will help the youth of today experience many of them for themselves.
But we are always interested to know – what has been your greatest benefit from participating in sports?
Cheers,
Daniel
