Sports

Why sports are important for youth?

• playing sports can promote a healthy lifestyle and teach kids transferable skills that they use later in life.

• kids learn valuable social skills through being on  a team (such as how to share, value diverse skill sets, trust others, and support and encourage one another)

• being involved in athletics can teach accountability and discipline 

• athletes learn their value as an individual and take responsibility for their own success

• being a part of a sport feels good & can help boost self-esteem when the environment is healthy, supportive, and encouraging

• different sports have different social and psychological benefits 

Youth athletes are less likely than non-athlete youth to be depressed

Youth athletes who play team sports are less likely to smoke or use drugs 

Physically active youth tend to test 40% higher in school

Youth athletes are less likely than non-athlete youth to commit suicide 

The Benefits of Exercise for Children’s Mental Health. (2020, March 2). The New York Times. From https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/02/well/family/the-benefits-of-exercise-for-childrens-mental-health.html