Benefits of Participating in Youth Sports

The benefits of sports for children are well documented. From lasting friendships to longer attention spans, sports are a key to unlocking your child’s potential. The Diocese of Orlando’s private schools in Polk County give students the opportunity to participate in many sports. While soccer gives students the chance to interact with their peers and work as a team, for instance, track and field allows independent players to score points toward an overall total. Below are a few of many reasons why sports offer a great advantage for young athletes.Physical fitnessMost children are pre-programmed to play. When others their age share a common interest and they can meet to play soccer, for instance, the idea of playing with their friends has great appeal. The exercise, whether aerobic or anaerobic, strengthens their hearts and other muscles, controls weight gain, maintains healthy bones, and has been found to be almost as effective as many medicines. Young children who play sports are more likely to exercise as adults, so the benefits last decades after little league. Exercise also helps children fall asleep faster and maintain better sleep patterns. Also, remember that exercise burns calories, so children need to eat healthier foods when they are playing sports.Emotional well-beingAs part of a team, your child has to work with others. Children who are usually shy may find sports to be an outlet where they can have fun without the focus being on them personally. Children who participate in sports are more likely to be better behaved in school because the discipline they learn from being on a team carries over into their classrooms. Emotionally, young athletes are happier, have better self-esteem, set and reach goals more frequently, and are strong leaders.SocializingThe bonds of friendship among teammates are strong and last long after the season ends. Children love to talk to each other, which is generally not something they are able to do in class. As team members, they have time to visit as they wait their turn to play, on the bench while their team is up to bat, or in the locker room when they are suiting up. This socialization helps them work through problems, form friendships, ask questions, and catch up on news.Educational benefitsStudents who participate in sports generally score better on exams because they are able to focus for longer stretches of time and have the discipline to look through all their responses before their tests are turned in. They are also less likely to act out in class, they pay attention in class, and their attitudes are more positive.All these benefits will help your child become more than physically fit. Young athletes are also more likely to attend college and have successful careers. Give your child the advantage of sports at a private school in Polk County. The percentage of the Diocese of Orlando’s Catholic school students who participate in sports is much higher than those students in public schools. Call the Diocese of Orlando today at 407-246-4800 to learn about our sports programs and read our blogs to learn about our schools and Catholic education.