Kids who play sports have better physical fitness, socialize more, and learn teamwork. If you are looking for a way to get your child started with team sports, look no further. Let's discuss the benefits of playing team sports and give you some tips on how to find the right sport for your child. Keep reading for more information.
Benefits of Sports for Children
Anyone who has ever played a team sport knows there is more to it than physical exercise. There are plenty of emotional, developmental, and social benefits to playing sports for children. For one, playing sports helps children learn to lose. Being a good loser takes maturity and practice. And is an integral part of becoming resilient. Playing sports allows children to control their emotions and positively channel negative feelings. After all, we can't always control what happens on the field/court/etc., but we can control how we react to it.
Playing in a team helps children develop many social skills they will need for life. It teaches them to cooperate, to be less selfish, and to listen to other children. It also gives children a sense of belonging. It helps them make new friends and builds their social circle outside school. So next time your little one begs you to sign them up for soccer/baseball/etc., know that you're not just encouraging them to stay active--you're also setting them up for success in all areas of their life!
Easing into Sports
As your child grows, their functional and cognitive abilities will directly correlate to what sports they may be able to play. The best time to start preparing your child for sports is now, whatever age that may be. If they're starting to be active, around toddler age, you can begin by introducing them to toys that will help them develop their motor skills.
If they are a little older than a toddler but not ready for the beginning of sports, you can play catch with them or kick around a ball. The experience must be fun for both of you so that your child remains interested and enjoys the sport. Focus on having fun, having a go, and being active rather than winning or losing. Making sport a positive experience for your child will lay the foundation for a lifetime of healthy activity.
As your child enters school, you may want to start thinking about introducing them to organized sports. Social life is significant to young children, so they may be drawn to sports their friends play. Playing sports is also essential for children to develop skills like cooperating, resolving conflict, and winning and losing gracefully. If you do not know what sports your child may be interested in, let them know their options and ask them!
The decision to play sports is as important a choice they make as it is yours. Children often enjoy learning sports like football, baseball, soccer, hockey, karate, dance, tennis, ice skating, and skiing. The best thing you can do is try stuff out. If you want your child in sports, let them try as many sports as possible. Once you narrow it down to a few sports they like the best; you can sign them up for classes or a league. Helping your child find a sport they enjoy can be a great way to promote physical activity and social interaction.
Common Organized Sports for Children
Children are so full of energy and potential that it is hard to believe sometimes. As they age, their physical abilities continue to develop along with their interests. It is a great idea to let them explore various activities and help guide them toward sports most suitable for their age, personality, abilities, and your family's budget and time. With so many different sports available, it would be impossible to cover them all in one sitting, so that we will focus on three of the most popular organized sports for children: soccer, football, and baseball. Each sport has different benefits that may or may not appeal to your child. We will also focus on the age range of about 5 to 9; children grow up fast, so the relevancy of information changes as they do.
Football
For young athletes in America, football provides an opportunity to stay physically active while also learning important life lessons. The sport requires teamwork, discipline, and perseverance, all of which are valuable skills that can be applied off the field. Football also teaches children the importance of setting and achieving goals. Through hard work and dedication, players can improve their skills and reach new levels of success.
Cost
- Pop Warner League is an excellent way for children to get started in football. A typical registration fee ranges from about $150 to $250, although fees may vary depending on the program. This small investment can pay huge dividends, both in terms of your child's physical health and personal development.
Soccer
Soccer is an excellent sport for kids of all ages. It helps to develop coordination and fitness, and it can be a lot of fun. If your child is showing an interest in playing soccer, you should look into signing them up with a local youth soccer club. Usually, these clubs provide excellent skills training and a positive experience for kids. Plus, it’s a great way for kids to meet other children who share their interests. Soccer clubs typically have different teams for different age groups, so your child can compete against others their age.
Cost
- According to Statista, the average family spends $537 per year on youth soccer expenses. Most of this money goes towards registration fees, equipment, and travel costs. While this may seem like a lot at first glance, it's important to remember that these expenses can be spread over a year. Additionally, many of these costs (such as registration fees) are often one-time. When you consider all of these factors, the cost of youth soccer doesn't seem so daunting after all.
Baseball
Baseball is often hailed as the thinking person's game. While it may not look as exciting as some other sports, it requires incredible strength, athleticism, and intelligence. As kids move up to older leagues, they need to be able to focus and be patient to be successful. At the same time, they must be ready to make the right plays at the right time. This combination of skills can be challenging to master, but those who do often find baseball an enriching experience.
Cost
- The cost of playing organized baseball can be significant, but the experience is often priceless. For little league baseball, a single season of recreational league fees, equipment, clothes, fundraisers, and other costs can total anywhere between $150 – $2500/per year. Costs and time commitment can run far higher for travel ball teams. However, the benefits of baseball go far beyond the financial. Playing organized baseball can teach children essential life skills such as teamwork, sportsmanship, discipline, and responsibility.
Overall, there are many benefits to participating in organized sports for children. Whether your child is interested in football, soccer, or baseball, plenty of opportunities are available to help them develop and grow. Regardless of the sport they choose, your child will gain valuable skills that can be applied on and off the field. So if your child is interested in playing sports, explore your options and consider signing them up today.