Team sport is an activity that requires a group of individuals, on opposing teams, to collaborate and work together in a supportive environment towards a shared objective which is usually to win the game. It teaches them how to set goals, communicate and solve problems in a safe and supportive way. The skills learned in a team sport are transferable to the workplace and other aspects of life.
While the world of celebrity athletes may encourage kids to believe that success in a particular sport is entirely dependent on their own talents, the truth is that even if they were the best sprinter in the country, or the most accurate goal-scorer, a successful team will still only occur when they work together in harmony. This is a valuable lesson that will serve them well throughout their lives.
Children also learn the importance of respect for authority through participation in team sports. This is not the same kind of respect that is taught in school and stems from a person’s superior knowledge of the sport or skill, but rather, it is the kind of respect that is earned through hard work and excellence in a given field. The ability to earn this kind of respect will be invaluable in future jobs where they will need to be able to cooperate with colleagues effectively.
Team sports are also a great way for children to learn about the value of commitment and the payoff that comes from hard work. They are also a wonderful opportunity to teach them the value of time, as outlined by a member of the United States Olympic track and field team who kept a minute-by-minute schedule in order to meet the demands of her sport. Having this skill will be extremely beneficial in the workplace where it is important to be punctual and to adhere to strict deadlines.
It is also an excellent way to teach children about the value of perseverance, as every athlete will experience loss at some point in their career. A good coach will be able to help them understand that losing is not the end of the world, but rather an opportunity to learn and improve. The ability to bounce back from a defeat and turn it into a positive will be something that they will carry with them throughout their life.
Finally, it is a wonderful way to keep kids active and away from video games and other potentially harmful activities, like drugs and alcohol. Studies show that kids who participate in team sports have better GPAs than those who do not, as they are accustomed to having structured and supervised activities outside of school. This can also lead to higher self-esteem, which is a major component of successful development and a healthy lifestyle.