Millions of people around the world participate in team sport. They aren’t just a fun hobby or extracurricular activity; they teach valuable life lessons and have a positive impact on children and adults. The most obvious benefit is gaining a healthy lifestyle and staying physically fit. In addition, kids who play sports regularly tend to have higher self-esteem and are less likely to engage in unhealthy activities like drug and alcohol abuse.
The competitive nature of most team sports teaches athletes that they can’t always win, and that it is important to focus on what they can control. It is also a great way to develop time management skills, and to learn how to plan for future goals in a structured and organized manner. For example, Shannon Miller of the 1992 and 1996 US Olympic women’s gymnastics team said she kept her schedule almost minute by minute when competing.
In a world where competition is prevalent in every aspect of life, team sports prepare kids for the type of environment they will encounter as adults. Team athletes are taught to solve problems on the fly and adjust quickly, which hone their critical thinking skills. Every game situation is different and requires players to consider their opponents’ strengths and weaknesses, which teaches them how to formulate tactics that will make them successful.
Working with teammates teaches players to respect each other, act in unselfish ways, and make good decisions on behalf of the team. This is an essential lesson that can be applied in all aspects of life, from school to work.