A team sport involves a group of people who play together for a common goal. It requires collaboration and cooperation among teammates, which are essential skills for kids to learn at school and later in life. This type of social interaction helps develop a sense of community, promotes healthy living and fosters friendships that may last a lifetime.
A Close-Knit Team
While team sports are a great way to build a strong bond with your child’s friends, they also teach them the importance of working together as a unit. With the guidance of a coach, children will learn to adapt their game and work with their peers to be successful. This translates into many other aspects of their lives, from school to the workplace.
Team Sports Build Confidence
Team sports are excellent for promoting a positive self-image. Studies show that kids who participate in club sports have better self-esteem than non-participants. In addition, they tend to be healthier than their non-playing counterparts.
Kim Batten, a 1995 world champion in the 110 hurdles, points out that while track is technically considered an individual sport, it’s really a team sport at the youth level. A kid who can’t jump 6-2 at the state meet, for instance, but is good enough to run a leg of a relay, deserves a chance to compete. The team concept also helps those who might never make it to the Olympics, but are still able to contribute to their school’s overall success.