From my first year of tee-ball at the age of 5 to my final year of high school basketball at the age of 18, sports were always a part of my life.  Throughout my childhood, I participated in many sports and let me tell you I loved every minute of it.  

Because of my experiences, I cannot stress enough to parents how important it is to get your child involved in a sport of any kind.  Sports are exciting, enjoyable, and extremely rewarding.  Now don’t get me wrong, a child will hit some bumps in the road in his/her sports journey.  However, in the end, the perseverance and the memories your child will make will truly last a lifetime.

Here are the five reasons I feel kids should participate in sports:

1. Staying in Shape

• Sports keep kids active and help fight childhood obesity.  Most children exposed to sports at a young age are more likely to stay active as adults and develop healthy lifestyles.

2. Learning Life Lessons

• Children not only learn to play the sport but are taught important life lessons.  Kids learn to respect adults (coaches) and learn teamwork – which is also valuable in a school or job setting.

3. Building Confidence

• Participating in a sport gives a child the ability to find his/her niche.  Seeing themselves succeed in their sport of choice will build children’s confidences and self-esteems.

4.  Personal Growth

• Throughout a child’s participation in a sport, they will grow as both a person and a player.  Not only are children improving their skills but they are building a strong character, using sportsmanship and determination to achieve their goals.

5.  Peer Relationships

• The saying goes there is no “I” in team and that could not be truer.  Sports are a great way to make friends and children will build strong peer relationships as they learn to work as a team.

You can find even more advantages to playing sports on the USA Football website.  According to one of their recent articles, a 2012 report put out by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, cites tons of positives for children to play sports including  “Better classroom performance, greater family attachment, and greater connections with school.”

So quit doubting the benefits of sports; they are there and in mass. Get your child active in any sport whether it be soccer or hockey or flag football.  They will grow as both a person and an athlete and their experiences will last a lifetime.