The Benefits of Sports for Kids

CEBU, Philippines - It might seem obvious what benefits sports bring for those involved in it. Especially the physical sports, there’s often the fit body that results. And the agility and the high energy as well.

An interest in sports can emerge at any stage in a one’s life. And one may pursue such interest, so long as the sports’ challenges are within one’s potentials and capabilities. One may actually start involvement in sports at childhood.

Participating in outdoor activities, such as sports, helps children explore and develop skills that would be beneficial throughout their lives. Sports expose children to various mental, social, emotional, physical and educational benefits. Harsh Mahaseth, in an article published at the website www.novakdjokovicfoundation.org, cites the more essential benefits that children can gain from sports:

Enhances Self-Esteem

Several studies have suggested that taking part in a sport can help in the development of the child’s self-esteem and self-confidence. Positive gestures such as a high-five from a teammate, a pat on the back, or a handshake, when a match is over, reassure the child and help build up his confidence in himself. Also, words of praise or encouragement from the coach or the other players work the same way. This helps the child to learn to trust his own abilities and push himself on in his pursuits.

One thing to bear in mind, though, is that self-esteem should not be based on winning or losing. Constructive criticism should be a major part in helping children to be aware of their weaknesses and working on these to improve themselves. It may be upon the parents to encourage their child to play sports, and to always ask the little one whether the game was fun for him or not – rather than whether he won or lost.

Develops Social Skills

Playing a sport helps children develop social skills, which would benefit them as they grow older. Playing sports teaches them about teamwork and cooperating with others. The kids learn to interact with others. Joining a sports team also helps give children a sense of belonging and an opportunity to make friends. Having more friends helps improve the kids’ communication skills, which will be very helpful in their future careers and relationships.

Sportsmanship and Emotional Maturity

In most things in life, there is a winner and a loser. Sports are no different. Every game exposes the child to winning or losing, every single time. And so the child eventually learns how to accept and cope with losses rather than feeling completely defeated. And his winnings no longer get to his head, knowing fully well that no one wins it all at all times. The child eventually understands that it’s okay to lose, so long as he gets back up and tries again.

Accepting defeat graciously is good sportsmanship. The child establishes that in himself through a long series of winning and losing. He will come to understand that what matters most is how he plays the game.

Cultivates Self-Discipline

Any sport requires the athlete to maintain discipline. This discipline could be mental, physical, or tactical. To become better in any sport one must have self-discipline. Without a good degree of self-restraint, one will never be a good sportsman. Discipline helps the player reach his fullest potential and contribute to the achievement of team goals.

Moreover, in sports the child is made to follow a set of rules, to take orders and accept decisions made by the coach. All these instill discipline in the child, which will help him throughout his life and future career.

Promotes a Sense of Teamwork     

Teamwork is a necessary skill to learn from an early age. A team cannot succeed unless every member works well along with the others. Sports provide children with a clear example of why working together as one is important, why everyone has to come together to achieve the goal.

With a sense of teamwork, the child behaves better at home and at school. He feels he is a necessary part of the whole. And if this trait stays with him throughout life, he will be a valued member of his community, wherever he may be. (FREEMAN)