Cooperation is a central skill that a child will need throughout their lifetime and is important to learn early on. In the workplace, during extracurricular activities, or even in marriage, the arts of compromising, delegating, and taking direction (or even criticism) are critical.

A child will not always be the best athlete on the field or win every competition. The lessons accompanying defeat will allow a young athlete to develop a healthy attitude towards competition, translating into adulthood on many occasions.

Young athletes will learn how to get along with other personalities and adapt to others to resolve conflict, achieve common goals, and communicate effectively. Sports participation also encourages in-person interactions in a world dominated by screen time.

Athletes who achieve their goals experience a sense of accomplishment and reward, building self-confidence. The learned pattern of setting goals and building confidence stays with adolescents into adulthood as they set goals in the workplace or in their personal lives.

Participating in sports teaches kids the value of responsibility. If they skip a practice, put in minimal effort, or perform poorly in school, they will see how it could impact their personal outcome and possibly even their team’s performance.

A young athlete will learn how to best work with and support each player on their team. Over time, they will learn to empathetically and respectfully communicate with others to optimally progress against their personal and shared missions.

Playing sports enables kids to take on leadership roles. Whether it’s being a team captain or simply taking the initiative to make a big decision, sports teach kids quick thinking, delegating, and respectful interaction with their peers, coaches, and officials.

When a child learns from a young age that there’s a direct correlation between how they treat their bodies and how they feel and perform, they develop an appreciation for practicing good health. This includes proper nutrition, rest, and other positive health habits.

Exposing a child to other worldviews is a core component of their adolescent growth. By spending time during practice and team events with athletes of all backgrounds, a child will gain different perspectives, which they will use to analyze the world throughout life.